Freelance Writer Burnout
From: http://www.bachfloweradvice.com
Writing burnout is a real danger for us freelance writing types. Considering the type of work that we do it really does make sense that at one point or another, we’re going to realize that we’ve gone past deep fried straight into crispy.
Signs of burnout:
One of the most difficult things about dealing with burnout is recognizing the signs. Don’t rely on your significant other booting you out of the abode before you recognize the signs.
Let’s have a look:
- Pushing deadlines – This is one of the biggies. This classic sign of being burned out is not to be confused with your garden variety procrastination. Procrastinators, you know who you are. Pushing deadlines just feels different. Instead of “Jeez, I can just do that later.”, your thought process is more along the lines of, “Man, I really hate that project. Why won’t it just go away!”
- Irritability – Being generally irritable can be a good sign of burnout (unless that’s just your regular mode. And if it is, what the heck are ya doin’? That’s no way to go through life!). Pay particular attention to irritability towards clients. Resenting the people who are paying your bills is absolutely a sign of burnout.
- Doing anything but what you’re supposed to – Are you up to level 96 of World of Warcraft? Bad writer – no biscuit. Didja get your closets and garage organized? Yup, you’re burned out. Not feeling like doing your job qualifies as a sign of burnout.
- Not seeking more work – Even though the folks at VISA would be tres happy if you did. If you have an organized home business you should know how much you need to be bringing in each month. Adopting a “Who Cares?” attitude is a sign of critical burn out and could spell big trouble for your freelance writing career
What to do about it
Now that you know some signs of being a crispy critter, check out some of the things you can do about it.
- The most important first step is to take a brutally honest evaluation of the relationship you and your writing have at the moment. If something is amiss (see the signs above) then how bad are things? Would a long weekend spent at a B&B take care of things? Will a few sessions of counseling work or is it time to bring in the lawyers?
- Give yourself permission to move things off to the side for a bit. Are there consequences to this? Absolutely, but if it will save your writing career the short term losses should provide long term gains.
- Strive for balance between your life and your writing life. Set strict work hours and stick to them. No checking emails during family time. Get out and do things that have nothing to do with freelance writing – take a class, join a gym, conspire with your poker buddies to achieve world domination.
This short list is really just a starting point. Burnout is serious and can have serious repercussions in your personal and professional life. If you recognize any of the signs, do something about it now.
About the Author: A writer living in Alaska. A simple man with few passions: My daughter, writing, soccer and now and then a good cigar.
Meryl K Evans | Mar 4, 2010 | Reply
On target, George. Exactly what I try to do. Even dream jobs can burn us out — it’s just human nature. Obviously, it’s easier to recover from burnout in a job you love.
Allena | Mar 5, 2010 | Reply
Here’s another idea– might not work for everyone, but it’s worked for me: Take on a different type of project. I’ve been managing a big translation project for a publisher (that I originally worked with on editing). It’s all managerial- records, managing ICs, billing, etc. I miss writing! Of course, ok, not everyone can do translation, specifically, but many writers can switch genres, or take on editing or proofreading instead of writing, etc.
Marisa Birns | Mar 5, 2010 | Reply
Love your idea of long weekend at a B&B. Yep, that would take care of a whole lot of things!
And agree that if it truly needs to happen, short term losses doesn’t tell the whole story or ruin long term gains.
Thanks from someone who’s not a crispy critter!
Mark | Mar 7, 2010 | Reply
Dang, from the symptoms I just realised I’m getting burned out. Thanks Dr Tumblemoose. I should probably see if I can cancel the hit on my last client.
Christopher Anderson | Mar 8, 2010 | Reply
I find getting away from things is definitely the best method for me to keep from getting burnout. Even if it’s just for a couple hours. It seems like it just sneaks up on ya too.
tumblemoose | Mar 10, 2010 | Reply
Hi Allena,
Thanks for dropping by with the tip. It is an awesome idea. I was experiencing a bit of burn out and then I got an assignment naming and adding product descriptions for a line of lip glosses aimed at teenage girls. Had the most fun ever with that one!
George
tumblemoose | Mar 10, 2010 | Reply
Marisa,
I’m a big believer of getting away to charge the ol’ batteries. It works and yes, the benefits outweigh any consequences.
Cheers
George
tumblemoose | Mar 10, 2010 | Reply
Mark, Aww jeez. I wouldn’t go THAT far. A contract is a contract and I’m sure they deserve it!
George
tumblemoose | Mar 10, 2010 | Reply
Chris,
Yuppers it does sneak up on ya alright. That’s why it’s so dangerous. You don’t realize you’re in the muck until you’re covered head to toe with the stuff.
George
Tiffany | Apr 17, 2010 | Reply
Last summer I experienced writer’s burnout bad. I was writing 7 days a week for at least 6-7 hours a day. Now that doesn’t seem like that many hours but on top of all my other responsibilities and only getting 3-4 hours a sleep at night it was horrible. What I did was to take a different path and stop writing for clients and start writing for myself. I decided to get into Internet marketing instead and pursue passive income opportunities. I can say that since then I have not gotten burned out and I frequent Facebook much less these days. LOL
Recession Busting Mom | May 5, 2010 | Reply
Having worked online for 12 years I recently got to a definite burn out stage. The majority of my income is passive income so I took time out to recharge my batteries and now feel refreshed and raring to go again. Sometimes just time out is all you need.