How I’m Working Just a Few Hours a Week This Summer (And Still Earning Full-Time Income)

This summer time, I’m planning to work as little as attainable – and I’m actually wanting ahead to it.

I’ve spent years constructing a enterprise that offers me freedom. And one of many largest causes I began Making Sense of Cents was in order that I may select how I spend my time. I really like running a blog and serving to others, however I additionally need to be current for the enjoyable moments – particularly through the summer time when my household and I are out exploring, touring, and having fun with life (summer time is my favourite season within the mountains – so I need to use that point totally!).

And I do know I’m not the one one who needs to get pleasure from their holidays or summers extra.

Whether or not you need extra seaside days, household time, and even simply lazy mornings with espresso, I need to present you that this type of flexibility is feasible. With some planning, methods, and the suitable earnings streams in place, you may work much less and nonetheless earn an excellent earnings.

And whereas I’m sharing this from the angle of a full-time blogger, the following pointers might be useful for freelancers, small enterprise house owners, content material creators, course sellers, and extra. Should you run any type of work-from-home job or on-line enterprise, you might be able to apply these concepts to create extra time in your schedule – whether or not it’s for a trip, parental go away, a sabbatical, or simply to have extra time in your day.

Right here’s how I’m setting myself up for a low-workload summer time – and how one can too.

How I Plan On Working as Little as Doable Over the Summer time (Whereas Nonetheless Making Cash)

Right here’s how I plan on working as little as attainable however nonetheless earn a living. I don’t count on my earnings to go down in any respect – I really count on it to go up!

P.S. I like to recommend becoming a member of my How To Begin A Weblog FREE Course. On this free course, I train you the way to begin a weblog, from the technical facet to incomes your first earnings and attracting readers. Over 80,000 folks have taken my free course!

1. Working forward now to create respiratory room later

Proper now, I’m placing in additional effort in order that I don’t need to work a lot later.

This implies I’m writing weblog posts, emails, and social media content material upfront. I’ve already scheduled lots of my content material upfront, and I’m persevering with to remain forward so I can step away with out stress. As an alternative of making issues final minute, I do it now and get it on my calendar.

I exploit instruments like WordPress publish scheduling (each WordPress weblog has this), Package for my electronic mail newsletters and funnels, and the Pinterest scheduler to verify every part continues working whereas I’m offline.

I’m additionally engaged on all of these massive image duties which have been build up for the final 12 months. I’m embarrassed to confess this however there are some duties that I’ve been pushing off for years, and I’m getting round to them now in order that I can cease fascinated with them. For instance, I’m combining my two programs onto one platform, in addition to testing including extra display advertising to my weblog posts. Engaged on massive issues like this proper now could be nice as a result of they may take up lots of time, so I’d slightly do it now than later. I’d slightly my summer time be filled with smaller duties that don’t take up as a lot mind energy.

It feels good to know that my weblog and enterprise will nonetheless be useful to readers, even whereas I’m out climbing with my household or stress-free by the water.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Create a content material calendar for the following 3–4 months. Take into consideration weblog publish matters, electronic mail newsletters, and social media content material so that you’re not scrambling on the final minute.
• Schedule weblog posts and emails forward of time. Use WordPress, Package (or no matter you employ on your electronic mail instrument), and Pinterest schedulers to automate your publishing.
• Determine and sort out lingering to-dos. End these annoying backend duties you’ve been laying aside – like switching platforms, cleansing up plugins, refreshing your About web page, and many others.
• Decide 2–3 massive tasks to finish now. Select issues that require numerous time or brainpower and end them earlier than summer time begins.
• Create templates for recurring content material. This may very well be publication codecs, weblog publish constructions, or social media captions to make future content material quicker to create.
• Audit your affiliate hyperlinks and adverts. Replace them now so that they’re working for you all summer time lengthy.

2. Batch work

Batch working is likely one of the finest methods to save lots of time and get extra accomplished.

I’ve been doing this for years, and it’s really a recreation changer as a result of it permits me to be extra environment friendly with my time. As an alternative of switching forwards and backwards between completely different duties, I give attention to one factor at a time. I would spend a complete day simply writing weblog posts or just a few hours solely engaged on electronic mail newsletters.

This helps me keep centered, keep away from distractions, and create higher work – quicker. And since I’m grouping related duties collectively, I don’t waste time switching gears or attempting to recollect what I used to be doing.

I even batch errands and private duties, like planning journey or stocking up on groceries, so I can keep in work mode once I’m working and luxuriate in private time once I’m off.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Select 1–2 days per week for centered batch work. These are your deep work days the place you knock out as a lot as attainable in a single class (like writing or designing).
• Group duties by sort. For instance, batch all writing duties on Mondays, picture modifying on Tuesdays, and Pinterest pin creation on Wednesdays.
• Use a timer to remain centered. Attempt working in 25- or 45-minute blocks with brief breaks in between (Pomodoro type).
• Create checklists for repeat duties. For instance, a guidelines for writing a weblog publish or making a Pinterest graphic can pace issues up and ensure nothing is missed. Although I’ve been running a blog for a few years, I nonetheless have a guidelines that I take a look at each single time (I’m not joking!).
• Write a number of weblog posts in a single sitting. Define 3–5 weblog posts directly, then write drafts the following day, then edit – breaking it into clear levels.
• Document or define a number of movies or reels in a single session. Even if you happen to’re not filming in bulk, making ready concepts in batches helps you keep forward.
• Batch your electronic mail advertising and marketing. Plan and schedule your weekly or month-to-month emails multi function go, utilizing earlier content material as inspiration.
• Batch private duties too. Grocery buying, appointment scheduling, and different life to-dos might be grouped collectively so that they don’t interrupt your work stream.

3. Outsourcing what I don’t must do

I don’t do every part myself – and that’s a part of how I work much less.

Through the years, I’ve constructed a small workforce that helps with completely different elements of my enterprise. I’ve assist with Pinterest scheduling, social media administration, customer support, proofreading, and extra. I don’t should be concerned in each little factor, and letting go of some management has allowed me to take again extra of my time.

Should you’re not prepared to rent a workforce, even outsourcing only one factor can assist. For instance, you may rent somebody to edit your weblog posts, repurpose your content material, or assist with graphics.

Delegating duties offers me extra freedom to spend time doing what I really like – and that’s what summer time is all about.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Make a listing of duties you don’t get pleasure from or that drain your time. This may very well be tech points, formatting weblog posts, making graphics, or scheduling content material.
• Begin with only one job to outsource. Select one thing easy and time-consuming (like Pinterest scheduling or proofreading).
• Rent a freelancer for five–10 hours a month. Web sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and even referrals from running a blog Fb teams are nice locations to look.
• Write a fast normal working process. Doc the way you need one thing accomplished with a brief Loom video or Google Doc – it doesn’t need to be fancy!
• Check with a small undertaking first. Earlier than hiring somebody long-term, give them one particular job and see how they do (and see if you happen to’re blissful).
• Set a finances and keep on with it. Even $100 to $200 a month can liberate hours of your time and cut back burnout.
• Outsource private duties too. If work assist isn’t within the finances but, you might be eager about hiring a cleaner, grocery supply, or a part-time babysitter – all of it helps what you are promoting not directly.

4. Incomes with semi-passive earnings streams

That is the largest motive I’m capable of step away from work and nonetheless earn cash: semi-passive earnings.

My foremost supply of passive earnings is affiliate internet marketing. I’ve constructed up a library of weblog posts (I’ve written over 2,000 weblog posts through the years) that usher in affiliate earnings each day – whether or not I’m working or not. I’ve additionally created programs that promote on their very own via electronic mail funnels, weblog posts, and associates.

As a result of I’ve already accomplished the onerous work of making content material and constructing belief with my viewers, I don’t need to be continually on-line to earn a living. That’s the facility of passive earnings, it retains working for you lengthy after you’ve accomplished the work.

Should you’re simply getting began with a weblog, you may give attention to creating useful evergreen content material and constructing visitors to these posts to do the identical. In fact, just remember to promote merchandise you really imagine in, and suppose long-term. Semi-passive earnings builds slowly, however as soon as it’s rolling, it could help your life-style in a giant method.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Replace older weblog posts with recent affiliate hyperlinks. Search for posts that get regular visitors and ensure the affiliate hyperlinks are working, related, and well-placed.
• Add product comparisons or opinions. These kind of posts often convert properly and are nice for web optimization too.
• Use affiliate hyperlinks in your electronic mail funnel. If somebody indicators up on your freebie or publication, ship them to useful sources that additionally earn you earnings.
• Deal with evergreen content material. Write weblog posts round matters that shall be looked for all 12 months lengthy (like the way to finances, the way to plan a household trip, the way to be more healthy, and many others.).
• Monitor your top-earning posts and hyperlinks. Use affiliate dashboards or instruments like Fairly Hyperlinks to see what’s working – and do extra of that.
• Repurpose outdated content material with affiliate potential. Flip a useful Instagram publish right into a weblog publish or flip a weblog publish into an electronic mail publication.

You may be taught extra about my affiliate internet marketing methods in my course, Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing. This course teaches how I’ve remodeled $2,000,000 with affiliate internet marketing through the years!

Additionally, if you’re eager about how I earn a living on-line, I like to recommend studying this text of mine – How To Monetize A Weblog: How I Grew A $5 Million Weblog.

5. Reusing and resharing present content material

I don’t all the time must reinvent the wheel.

Through the years, I’ve written 1000’s of weblog posts, emails, and social media updates. Many of those are nonetheless invaluable and related at present. So through the summer time, I plan to refresh and reshare a few of my older content material.

This may imply updating hyperlinks, tweaking headlines, or turning a well-liked publish into an Instagram carousel. I’ll additionally schedule evergreen emails to exit to my checklist – ones which have carried out properly up to now and nonetheless have numerous worth however are up to date.

Most readers haven’t seen all of your content material, and even when they’ve, they often respect a reminder. Repurposing saves time and retains your message constant.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Decide 5 outdated weblog posts to replace and reshare this month. Begin with posts that get good visitors or reply frequent reader questions.
• Replace affiliate hyperlinks, photographs, and outdated data. This retains your content material recent and improves consumer expertise (and conversions).
• Flip weblog posts into short-form video or reels. Break a publish into 3–5 suggestions and report a fast Instagram reel or TikTok.
• Create Instagram carousels or Pinterest graphics from outdated content material. Use Canva templates to hurry up the design course of.
• Flip outdated weblog posts into electronic mail newsletters. Pull out highlights or suggestions and ship them to your checklist with a private notice.
• Create a “Better of” weblog publish roundup. For instance, “10 Most In style Aspect Hustles” and embody inside hyperlinks.

6. Setting clear work boundaries

Probably the most essential issues I’m doing this summer time is defending my time.

I’m selecting particular days and hours that I’ll work and sticking to them. I’ll probably work only a few hours per week, largely checking in and ensuring issues are working easily. I’m additionally saying “no” to something that doesn’t match my priorities proper now.

This may imply turning down sure tasks, delaying some concepts, and even taking a break from my electronic mail inbox. I’ve realized that I don’t need to say “sure” to every part – particularly if it means sacrificing time with my household or stress-free.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Select your weekly work hours and keep on with them. For instance, decide to working solely Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to midday.
• Block your work time in your calendar. Deal with it like an appointment so that you’re much less tempted to squeeze in “only one thing more.”
• Create an autoresponder on your electronic mail. Let folks know you’re working restricted hours and once they can count on a reply. I don’t plan on doing this, however this can be a good suggestion for others.
• Flip off notifications exterior of labor time. Silence apps like Slack, electronic mail, and social media whenever you’re off the clock.
• Set boundaries with purchasers, manufacturers, or collaborators. Allow them to know your summer time schedule forward of time so there aren’t any surprises.
• Hold a working “later” checklist. Write down concepts and duties that pop up so that you don’t really feel strain to deal with them instantly. I have already got moved some duties to the autumn as a result of I don’t suppose they’re essential sufficient to do proper now.
• Delete or pause pointless apps. Take away something that will get you to examine in continually or distracts out of your time without work.
• Share your objectives with your loved ones or companion. Allow them to know whenever you’re working and whenever you’re totally off – to allow them to assist maintain you to it.

7. Specializing in high-impact duties solely

Once I do work, I would like it to rely.

So I’m specializing in duties that want me proper then. For me, this may imply creating content material that brings in visitors or income, sending emails to my checklist, and sustaining relationships with my viewers (like answering emails) and affiliate companions.

I’m avoiding busywork – like checking stats an excessive amount of or spending an excessive amount of time on social media.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Write down your prime income-generating duties. These is perhaps writing weblog posts, sending emails, or optimizing affiliate hyperlinks – give attention to these first.
• Use the 80/20 rule. Ask your self: “What 20% of my duties usher in 80% of my outcomes?” Do extra of these, and fewer of every part else. Personally, I’ve spent a lot of my time on duties that do nothing for my enterprise or for my readers, and I do know I must cease that.
• Monitor the place your time goes. For one week, write down what you’re engaged on and the way lengthy it takes. You is perhaps shocked what’s not really serving to what you are promoting develop. I did this final month and it actually opened my eyes as to what I spend my time on!
• Say no (or not proper now) to low-priority tasks. It’s okay to save lots of concepts for later – they don’t all should be accomplished earlier than your break.

8. Utilizing ChatGPT to brainstorm and save time

One instrument I’ve been utilizing extra these days is ChatGPT – and it’s been an enormous time-saver.

I exploit it to assist brainstorm weblog publish matter concepts, write outlines, provide you with topic strains for emails, and even draft social media captions. If I’m caught or simply want a recent view on one thing, ChatGPT helps me transfer ahead quicker. It’s like having a brainstorming companion out there on a regular basis.

This doesn’t imply I don’t add my private contact – I all the time, ALWAYS do. However utilizing ChatGPT helps me skip the clean web page and save time once I want it most.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Ask ChatGPT to brainstorm weblog publish matter concepts in your area of interest. For instance, I lately fed all of my most up-to-date articles which have gone viral and requested ChatGPT to brainstorm extra article concepts which might be related.
• Use it to create outlines earlier than writing. You may feed ChatGPT a bunch of your outdated weblog posts after which ask: “Are you able to define a publish in my type titled ‘10 Straightforward Methods To Save Cash On Groceries’?”
• Have it draft social media captions. Copy/paste a part of your weblog publish and say: “Flip this into 3 Instagram captions in my voice.”
• Flip outdated weblog content material into electronic mail newsletters. Paste a weblog publish and say: “Summarize this into a brief, pleasant electronic mail with a call-to-action.”
• Use it to write down Pinterest pin descriptions. Ask: “Write a keyword-rich Pinterest description for a publish about finances journey suggestions.”
• Use ChatGPT to research your previous posts on Fb, research your type, and provide you with tons of extra concepts for Fb posts.
• You may even simply inform ChatGPT all about what you are promoting, after which ask it the way it thinks it could prevent time. For instance, you may ask: “I run Makingsenseofcents.com. How do you suppose ChatGPT can save me time?” or “I run a enterprise the place I plan journey for {couples}. How do you suppose ChatGPT can save me time?” I simply requested each of those questions and it gave me a bunch of concepts I didn’t even checklist above!

Now, I do need to say – I by no means simply take what ChatGPT says and publish it. I’m closely modifying it and ensuring the data is appropriate. I exploit it as an on-demand assistant instrument for once I need to brainstorm new concepts.

9. Planning for flexibility

Even with a plan, life occurs. I do know that I’ll nonetheless be working this summer time, and that’s okay. I really like what I do, so that’s fully tremendous!

For this reason I construct in flexibility. Some weeks I would work a bit of extra and different weeks under no circumstances. I don’t plan on working 0 hours per week for 3 months straight.

As a result of I’ve constructed a enterprise that doesn’t depend upon me working 24/7, I can take that point off with out every part falling aside. That’s the good factor about on-line earnings – you may set it as much as help the life you need.

And that life consists of lengthy summer time days, sluggish mornings, and extra time with the folks I really like.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Construct additional buffer time into your calendar. Don’t schedule each hour – go away area for surprising plans, household time, or simply relaxation.
• Have backup content material prepared. Write 1–2 additional weblog posts or emails now that you should utilize later if you happen to want a break.
• Use instruments that make it straightforward to pause. Instruments like Package, WordPress scheduling, and social schedulers allow you to plan forward – but in addition cease or reschedule content material if wanted.
• Give your self permission to take a full day (or week) off. Your enterprise received’t collapse if you happen to step away – particularly if you happen to’ve prepped upfront.
• Revisit your priorities weekly. What felt essential in Could may not matter in July. So, be ready to regulate your objectives primarily based on what your life wants that week.

How I Plan On Working as Little as Doable Over the Summer time (Whereas Nonetheless Making Cash) – Abstract

I hope you loved my article on how I plan on working as little as attainable whereas nonetheless making a living.

Working much less this summer time doesn’t imply I care much less about my enterprise. In actual fact, it means I’ve set it as much as help me in one of the simplest ways attainable.

By planning forward, batching duties, outsourcing, and incomes semi-passive earnings, I’m creating time to get pleasure from life exterior of labor – and nonetheless earn an earnings whereas doing it.

Whether or not you’re a blogger, entrepreneur, or simply somebody seeking to step again a bit of, I hope my article reveals you that it’s attainable to work much less and stay extra.

For me, I’m hoping to spend my days climbing, occurring journeys, and simply having fun with the times as they arrive.

Should you’re planning to take time without work or work much less this summer time, I’d love to listen to what you’re doing to make that occur.

Do you prefer to take breaks all year long? Probably for a trip? Inform me your plans within the feedback beneath!

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