As of 2022, there were 70.4 million freelancers in the United States, according to Zippia. Freelancers are independent contractors that work for themselves, earning income by completing tasks or jobs for businesses and organizations. While many people have made enough income to transition into full-time freelancers, some are still managing a full-time job while freelancing. 

Here’s how you can freelance while managing a full-time job to avoid overwhelming yourself.

Understand your work limits and take care of your health
Working a full-time job while freelancing can easily lead to burnout if you don’t take the proper precautions. Although you may not initially know your limits, as it often takes experience to understand the power of saying “no”, avoid taking on too much work at once. To determine your availability, time yourself to see how long it takes you to complete freelance work. A lot of the time, it takes longer than we think to complete a project.

Nevertheless, if you’re pursuing freelance work on the side and have the intention of building your business until it can replace your day job — you should know that you may work some endless nights. Many make this sacrifice to build the business of their dreams.

Be transparent about your availability
If you’re working a 9-to-5 job, you may only be able to complete freelance work in the evenings and on the weekends. As you speak with prospective clients, you should be transparent about your limited availability during the week. Being open about your situation upfront can avoid issues down the line. For example, if a client is trying to contact you during the day, it’s important that they know that you’re not ignoring them but that you have other obligations.

Try to carve out a special space for working on your business
Create a special space in your home to do freelance work. Wherever you decide to make your workspace, ensure it’s in a quiet area where distractions are limited so that you can focus. In addition, you can also silence your phone and let your family members or roommates know your schedule when you’re freelancing. 

One of the challenges of freelancing on the side is the act of switching gears after a long day of work. Creating a designated space for your freelancing can help you make the transition.

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