Two years ago I decided to leave the office and become a freelancer. Until then I was working as a copywriter, but I was bored and tired with my job. I didn’t want to to stay in a dark and crowded office from 9 a.m. do 6 p.m. anymore. I wanted to be self employed and work when and where I decide.

So, in one sunny autumn afternoon I left the office. I was happy and terrified in the same time. I was working like this for years, I was used to the office routine and I wasn’t sure if I could be disciplined enough to work effective and not waste my time.

At first I wasn’t. I enjoyed turning off my alarm clock in the morning and sleep untill noon. I enjoyed riding my bike in the afternoon. And when I finally decided it was time to deal with my tasks for the day my husband was comming home, we were having dinner together… and my working day was over before it has begun.

So, after a few weeks of doing almost nothing I decided: I must make a plan and follow it, if I want my freelance carrier to continue or I shold go back in the office.

Well, I didn’t go back to the office. I made my own rules and I’m still following them strictly. And now I’m going to share them with you. Grab a pen and take notes!

Don’t turn off the alarm clock

I’ve always worked more effectively in the morning. I feel full of energy, I can deal with all my tasks. In the afternoon I’m usually sleepy and distrait. So, for me it was very important to get up early in the morning, no matter that I shouldn’t go to the office. Now, I’m getting up in 8 o’clock every morning, making a coffee, checking my mail, facebook and google+ profile and I start working.

Of course, there are people who prefer to work in the afternoon or even in the night. Ok, but if you do it this way, you need an alarm clock too. If you go to bed in 4 in the morning, switch your alarm clock for 12 o’clock a.m. You will have exactly 8 hours for sleeping, which is enough, and you won’t miss the whole day.

Forget the wearing-a-pyjama-all-day scenario

The fact that you are not leaving your home doesn’t mean you should stay in your pyjama the whole day. I’m not telling you to wear high heels or tie at home, but put on some clothes. If you are too comfortable, you’ll get lazy and distructed. Be proffesional.

Make a To Do list

“Oh, what a lovely day — sunny and warm. Wouldn’t it be nice to go call Jenny and go to the park”… Stop. Being your own boss doesn’t mean you can skip work whenever you want. To avoid such temptations, make a To Do list every morning. Write down all the things you should do today. If you are done with your work earlier, ok, you can go to the park. It’s all about discipline!

Say “goodbye” to social medias

I know it’s hard, but turn off Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Instagram… If you don’t have to use social medias for your work, just don’t. They are stealing your precious time. You can waste hours in watching pictures on Pinterest, instead of doing your daily tasks. I know it’s not easy to say goodbye to Facebook, but try at least to reduce it. For example five minutes per hour or two. Soon you won’t miss it at all.

But not to the real world

Being a freelancer means you are going to spend a lot of time alone at home. But it doesn’t mean you should say goodbye to your friends and start living like a hermit. Meeting people, going to bars, restaurants, theatre is relaxing and can be inspiring too. And no matter what you do, you need a little inspiration, right? So, keep your social contacts.

I know for some people being a freelancer is like a dream come true. But, in fact, it’s a job like every other. Yes, it gives you freedom, but you should know how to use it. Good luck!