Freelancing/working at home has many pros. Freelancing allows you to make your own schedule, work in the comfort of your own home, and select only the projects they want to work on. Sounds pretty great, but in reality sometimes the cons can out weight the pros. One major con that cannot be ignored is the fact that freelancers are always plugged in and on call, at least that’s what many clients think. This is a common thought and misconception among our clients, but it’s not hard to see where they are coming from. If you work at home, you’re just steps away from your office, meaning answering e-mails and calls at a moments notice shouldn’t be a big deal. Well, it is. Freelancers have to find a balance between their work lives and their personal lives. This isn’t easy. I know I’m guilty of answering e-mails via my iphone in the wee hours of the night.

Almost everyone has a cellphone, and a large percentage of these people have e-mail, Skype or some sort of instant messenger on their phone. When you’re always plugged in and accessible to client e-mails and messages it’s nearly impossible to enjoy time with your family, a moment alone with your spouse or dinner with friends. Turning off your phone and logging off of your e-mail can salvage many a friendships and even a relationship. Being committed to your work is one thing, but knowing when to unplug from your work life and to take a breather is so important. Set office hours, or hours when your clients know that they can reach you. I often times work a little on the weekend and might answer e-mails, but most of my time is spent working 9-5 Monday – Friday. I try to be available and work when my clients are at work.

Bottom line, don’t let your business get in the way of your relationships and find a happy medium between your work life and your personal life. Your friends and family will thank you for it.