Avoiding Burn Out

July 17, 2007

The Internet is a 24/7 world. This is especially true when you’re working with clients from around the world. Sometimes it feels like I never stop working. It’s at that point when I need to step back, relax and reprioritize.

I read a lot about web writers becoming burned out on content. I’ve definitely been there from time to time. But what keeps me going?

The first thing that I remember is that I’m in this business to be the best writer I can be. For me, the best writer I can be is a nonfiction writer. I am not a fiction person. I have no desire to write the great American novel. Short stories make me bored. I know this really sets me apart from a lot of writers out there. Many people are writing content just to get by while they work on their masterpiece. I can see how that can get really frustrating if you are doing something that you don’t have your heart set on.

For me, the burnout comes from the inability to say “no.” Maybe it’s a little bit of ego that makes me take on any and all requests (within my price range of course!). Maybe it’s a little masochism? Whatever it is, I’ve got a full schedule most of the time. But if you ask me, I’ll take on your project and get it done to your satisfaction.

If you’re like me, start looking at your work schedule with a more discerning eye. When you start to get overcrowded, ask yourself if you really, really want to write about cabinet hinges, or you just want the money that goes along with it. Boring projects are tolerable if you’ve got nothing else to do. But learn how to say no when you need to.

Another thing that goes along with burn out for me is spending time away from my family. When I have a deadline, I bend over backwards to get it done. After a few weeks of this, I’m ready to throw my laptop out the window and go into seclusion. If you work at home, you know what a challenge it is to balance work and family. Avoiding over-scheduling can help with this problem, and also having a set schedule each day. I have small children ( 2 years and 4 months) so our schedule is far from “regular” but by working in small bursts throughout the day I can log my 3 to 4 hours. Sometimes I stay up late, sometimes I get up early (well…mostly I stay up late). The point is, I get it done. Sometimes it’s hard to focus during the time that I have to work. I just remember that if I don’t get it done now, I’ll be missing out on things later.

All in all, I don’t get burned out that often. I truly love what I do, and as long as I keep things balanced with the rest of my life, I’m happy to keep on doing it.

Posted in Motivation