Time Management: 6 Tips for Busy Gig Workers

by Rumzz Bajwa Content Marketer

The gig economy is on the rise as millions of Americans make a career out of multiple gigs or short-term tasks. Workers enjoy doing gigs instead of a regular 9-5 because of the flexible working hours and the freedom to choose the jobs they love.

Since gig workers often juggle several tasks at once, it’s important to know how to effectively manage their time to maximize their income. After all, time is money.

That said, let’s take a look at six time management hacks for busy gig workers like you:

1. Create a schedule and stick to it.

Self-employed professionals, independent contractors, and freelancers usually have a flexible schedule. And one of the most common mistakes new gig workers make is looking at this new-found flexibility as an excuse to procrastinate. To avoid this mistake, it’s best to set a schedule and stick to it.

Even though you have a flexible schedule, you’re most likely working a 9 to 5, 10 to 6, or whatever your schedule is. Setting a schedule and following it every day makes it easier for you to “get in the zone” and do whatever needs to be done. It’ll also be easier for you to disengage and enjoy the rest of your day. Establishing a line between work and play prevents burnout, making it easier for gig workers to enjoy working as a full-time freelancer.

2. Be sure to take days off.

As you set your schedule, be sure to make time for days off as well. When was the last time you went on a vacation? A real vacation where you leave work behind and take time to relax. It’s hard for freelancers to stop working since they can easily pick up their laptop or phone and send emails to clients.

Taking a step back from your projects is an essential part of a healthy work-life balance. To be truly productive, it’s crucial to take a few days to rest and recharge. Otherwise, working for hours on end, seven days a week, could lead to diminished creativity, increased stress and anxiety, and even cognitive impairment.

3. Eliminate Distractions

You’re probably aware of the various distractions that hinder you from completing your tasks on time. Do you find yourself endlessly scrolling social media? Or perhaps you try to sneak in a few chores here and there. However, effectively managing your time means reducing distractions from your workflow.

If you can’t totally eliminate distractions, you can try limiting the time you dedicate to them. For instance, you can limit your social media scrolling to 30 minutes before you start your day. Better yet, you can turn distractions into rewards after accomplishing certain tasks. In this way, your “distractions” can contribute to your productivity rather than against it.

4. Take a Break Between Tasks

Taking short breaks in between your seemingly endless list of tasks keeps your brain fresh and ready to take on the next to-do. When you’re planning your schedule for the day, don’t forget to schedule breaks in between.

For instance, if you’re searching for the best 500 dollar loan all morning, you can take a 30-minute break before you proceed with the next task. Take the time to reset your mind and prevent burnout. However, don’t use your break as an excuse to check your social media because before you know it, you’ve spent hours mindlessly scrolling and scrolling.

5. Try to Exercise Daily

We all know that exercise is important for our overall well-being. However, regular physical activity contributes to better time management as well. Here’s how: exercising can help you cope with stress. Several studies show that exercise works and t helps control weight, boost energy, improve mood, and promote better sleep.

It may be hard to sneak in some exercise if your schedule is packed, but it’s essential to find the time and include it in your daily schedule, whether it’s before or after your working hours. Next, you can add 10 to 15 minutes of stretching, yoga, or meditation during your breaks in between. Start small and expand your exercise routine once you’re comfortable.

6. Stop When You Need To

Even if you’ve scheduled your tasks for the day or weeks ahead, you can be easily tempted to continue working on them after your working hours. This is especially true if you feel that certain tasks are important or complicated. However, you should adamantly set limits and stick to your schedule.

The urge to work all the time is an admirable quality, but it can be detrimental to your mental and emotional health in the long run. As you work on more projects in the future, you’ll be a better judge, and you’ll know when to stop working on a particular task.

The Bottom Line

One of the greatest benefits of being a gig worker is the freedom to choose when and where to work. However, it’s important to learn how to manage your time effectively to maximize your income and build a successful freelancing career.