7 Challenges of Moonlighting

Nearly 10 days since my last blog post.  Shocker!   I am sure it comes as no surprise  to discover I am struggling to settle into  my new work situation.

Only a few weeks in and I have uncovered a few challenges with working for my employer as well as moonlighting in my own time.   Here is my list .

Lack of time

This challenge was always going to be my biggest issue once I went back working full time for my employer.   It is after all a common dilemma we all face in everyday life.  The key naturally is to make the most of the time I DO actually have available for writing/blogging and my business.  Time wasting is not an option.  Working on tasks that are not a top priority – not allowed.  Procrastination……who has time for that!

Feeling tired

I always knew I was going to struggle with this one.  Luckily I have fairly standard office hours – 40 hours a week with rare overtime.   A high powered, demanding job with long hours would make having a second job even more of a challenge.   Still even with my great hours, certain days can be  emotionally draining.  Some days finding the extra energy to come home and work on my business can be difficult.

Feeling overwhelmed

When you have so much to do and you are not sure where to start, sometimes it can be tempting not to start at all.   Despite the urge to collapse in front of the television with the cat after a hard day in the office, I will need to resist temptation.

Trouble Connecting with Clients

Many clients and editors are not going to appreciate after hours phone calls.  While I will be contactable at all times during the day on my mobile, I won’t have my personal laptop handy.  If an editor or client rings and wants me to email through some work, I  will not have the information at hand,  meaning I won’t be able to get the information to them as quickly as I would like.   

Not chasing new work

While it can be very tempting to potter along with the work I already have on the go, ultimately that will not allow me to grow my business.   Finding new clients (not to mention snaring my first magazine article) are very important to me.  My schedule needs to include sourcing new work and sending pitches to magazine editors (just to name a few).

Not having time for self promotion

There is no use writing good content for my blog if no one knows where to find it.  Along with writing my blog, I must be consistent (despite time restraints) in growing my wonderful readership and audience. 

Giving in to bad habits

Lack of motivation, procrastination, feeling lazy.  These are all bad habits I have worked hard to eliminate over the last six months.   I don’t want to see any of them creeping back into my work life.

You may have noticed this list is purely challenges.   I have not gone into details about how I am going to overcome and deal with some of these charming obstacles.   Consider this a Part 1.  I am definitely working on them though. 

Here is where I could do with your assistance.  Obviously a lot of freelancers or workers in general have been in the same situation.  I would love to hear how you tackled these obstacles and learnt from the experience.

As I settle into my dual role I will be working on the above challenges (as well as any that come up along the way) and reporting back to you on how I go.  The first thing I need (which I have already done up in draft form) is a manageable, sustainable new work structure. 

For all of those people who work two or more jobs, I take my hat off to you!

This post was written by...

Thea – who has written 225 posts on Write Change Grow.

Hi! Welcome to my blog.  I'm a freelance writer and blogger. For more Write Change Grow goodness, sign up for my free newsletter.  You can connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.

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