Are You Ready for Spring Break?

It’s spring break around here. The challenge: meet my weekly/monthly freelance writing income goals in spite of four children under 11 engaging in constant combat and constantly complaining of boredom. Add the fact that we are packing to move out of state by June, and I’m leaving town on Wednesday, and you’ll understand exactly why I‘m praying for patience.

The good part about this spring break is we’re probably more prepared this year than we’ve ever been. Come to think of it, this is also a good time to start making summer plans for the kids. We’ll be in another state, so I’ll need to do some research now to find out what’s available. Making sure the kids have something to look forward to and do when we get to our new city will make it easier for me to unpack and transition more smoothly into my new office space (I hope).

In the mean time, I’ve planned my work schedule around a couple of fun activities, and have plenty of snacks and dvds on hand. I think we’ll survive.

What are your plans for spring break? Working (like me) or vacationing?

Catching Up is Hard to Do

There’s so much going on right now just thinking about it all makes my head spin. Today is the first day of Spring Break which for me means figuring out how to arrange my work schedule to accommodate my kids’ vacation schedule. Lucky for me I can set my own schedule.

I started planning for this last week to keep from feeling completely caught off guard. So between trips to the Children’s Museum, park and movies, I’ll still be working on client and personal projects. I don’t fool myself into thinking that I can continue on with my normal schedule this week. This realization alone will save me from a massive headache. I’ll be working later in the evenings.

On another note, I’ve been touching base with my accountability partner by phone five days a week for the past month now, and I must say this is one of the best business moves I’ve ever made. Since I know that when we speak she’ll be asking me whether or not I've accomplished the goals I set the day before, I’m much more conscious of my productivity during the day. I also make a list each night before closing up shop to remain focused. This might not work for everyone, but it sure works for me. The fact that she’s been a copywriter for well over 10 years and used to be a business coach certainly is an added benefit.

I've also noticed that I’m much busier this year than I was the same time last year. My income has increased substantially despite the fact that I ended a couple of steady lower-paying client relationships and even turned down a few projects. Call me crazy, but I think doing so made way for me to be available for better opportunities.

All in all, I’m grateful to be busy with client projects, and looking forward to getting caught up around here. How’s business going for you as we move into the second quarter of 2010?