How I’m Working Only a Few Hours a Week This Summer time (And Nonetheless Incomes Full-Time Revenue)

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 greatest causes I began Making Sense of Cents was in order that I might select how I spend my time. I like running a blog and serving to others, however I additionally need to be current for the enjoyable moments – particularly in the course of 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 absolutely!).

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

Whether or not you need extra seashore 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 precise revenue streams in place, you possibly can work much less and nonetheless earn revenue.

And whereas I’m sharing this from the attitude of a full-time blogger, the following pointers may be useful for freelancers, small enterprise house owners, content material creators, course sellers, and extra. For those who run any type of work-from-home job or on-line enterprise, you could possibly apply these concepts to create extra time in your schedule – whether or not it’s for a trip, parental depart, 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 Attainable 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 anticipate my revenue to go down in any respect – I truly anticipate 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 begin a weblog, from the technical facet to incomes your first revenue and attracting readers. Over 80,000 individuals have taken my free course!

1. Working forward now to create respiration room later

Proper now, I’m placing in further effort in order that I don’t must work a lot later.

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

I take advantage of instruments like WordPress publish scheduling (each WordPress weblog has this), Package for my electronic mail newsletters and funnels, and the Pinterest scheduler to ensure all the things continues working whereas I’m offline.

I’m additionally engaged on all of these large image duties which were increase 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 serious about them. For instance, I’m combining my two programs onto one platform, in addition to testing including extra show promoting to my weblog posts. Engaged on large issues like this proper now could be nice as a result of they’ll take up a number of time, so I’d quite do it now than later. I’d quite my summer time be stuffed 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 mountain 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 subjects, 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 utilize to your electronic mail device), and Pinterest schedulers to automate your publishing.
• Determine and deal with 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 so forth.
• Decide 2–3 large initiatives 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 e-newsletter codecs, weblog publish constructions, or social media captions to make future content material quicker to create.
• Audit your affiliate hyperlinks and advertisements. Replace them now so that they’re working for you all summer time lengthy.

2. Batch work

Batch working is without doubt one of the greatest methods to save lots of time and get extra carried out.

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 a substitute of switching forwards and backwards between totally different duties, I give attention to one factor at a time. I’d spend a complete day simply writing weblog posts or a couple of hours solely engaged on electronic mail newsletters.

This helps me keep targeted, 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 making an attempt 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 revel in private time once I’m off.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Select 1–2 days per week for targeted 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, photograph modifying on Tuesdays, and Pinterest pin creation on Wednesdays.
• Use a timer to remain targeted. Strive working in 25- or 45-minute blocks with brief breaks in between (Pomodoro model).
• 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. Despite the fact that I’ve been running a blog for a few years, I nonetheless have a guidelines that I have 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 unexpectedly – breaking it into clear phases.
• Document or define a number of movies or reels in a single session. Even when you’re not filming in bulk, getting 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 may be grouped collectively so that they don’t interrupt your work circulation.

3. Outsourcing what I don’t must do

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

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

For those who’re not prepared to rent a crew, even outsourcing only one factor may help. For instance, you would possibly rent somebody to edit your weblog posts, repurpose your content material, or assist with graphics.

Delegating duties provides me extra freedom to spend time doing what I 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 take pleasure in 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 process 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 commonplace working process. Doc the way you need one thing carried out with a brief Loom video or Google Doc – it doesn’t must be fancy!
• Check with a small challenge first. Earlier than hiring somebody long-term, give them one particular process and see how they do (and see when you’re completely satisfied).
• Set a price range and persist with it. Even $100 to $200 a month can unlock hours of your time and scale back burnout.
• Outsource private duties too. If work assist isn’t within the price range but, you might be eager about hiring a cleaner, grocery supply, or a part-time babysitter – all of it helps your corporation not directly.

4. Incomes with semi-passive revenue streams

That is the largest cause I’m in a position to step away from work and nonetheless earn cash: semi-passive revenue.

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

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

For those who’re simply getting began with a weblog, you possibly can give attention to creating useful evergreen content material and constructing visitors to these posts to do the identical. After all, just remember to promote merchandise you really consider in, and assume long-term. Semi-passive revenue builds slowly, however as soon as it’s rolling, it may possibly help your way of life in an enormous manner.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Replace older weblog posts with contemporary affiliate hyperlinks. Search for posts that get regular visitors and ensure the affiliate hyperlinks are working, related, and well-placed.
• Add product comparisons or evaluations. These kinds of posts often convert effectively and are nice for search engine optimization too.
• Use affiliate hyperlinks in your electronic mail funnel. If somebody indicators up to your freebie or e-newsletter, ship them to useful assets that additionally earn you revenue.
• Give attention to evergreen content material. Write weblog posts round subjects that can be looked for all 12 months lengthy (like price range, plan a household trip, be more healthy, and so forth.).
• 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 previous content material with affiliate potential. Flip a useful Instagram publish right into a weblog publish or flip a weblog publish into an electronic mail e-newsletter.

You possibly can be taught extra about my affiliate marketing online methods in my course, Making Sense of Affiliate Advertising. This course teaches how I’ve revamped $2,000,000 with affiliate marketing online through the years!

Additionally, in case you are 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 current 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 precious and related at the moment. So in the course of the summer time, I plan to refresh and reshare a few of my older content material.

This would possibly 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 listing – ones which have carried out effectively 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 generally respect a reminder. Repurposing saves time and retains your message constant.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Decide 5 previous weblog posts to replace and reshare this month. Begin with posts that get good visitors or reply frequent reader questions.
• Replace affiliate hyperlinks, pictures, and outdated data. This retains your content material contemporary and improves person expertise (and conversions).
• Flip weblog posts into short-form video or reels. Break a publish into 3–5 ideas and file a fast Instagram reel or TikTok.
• Create Instagram carousels or Pinterest graphics from previous content material. Use Canva templates to hurry up the design course of.
• Flip previous weblog posts into electronic mail newsletters. Pull out highlights or ideas and ship them to your listing with a private be aware.
• Create a “Better of” weblog publish roundup. For instance, “10 Most Common Facet Hustles” and embrace inside hyperlinks.

6. Setting clear work boundaries

One of the crucial vital 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 just some hours per week, principally checking in and ensuring issues are working easily. I’m additionally saying “no” to something that doesn’t match my priorities proper now.

This would possibly imply turning down sure initiatives, delaying some concepts, and even taking a break from my electronic mail inbox. I’ve realized that I don’t must say “sure” to all the things – 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 persist 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 other thing.”
• Create an autoresponder to your electronic mail. Let individuals know you’re working restricted hours and after they can anticipate a reply. I don’t plan on doing this, however this can be a good suggestion for others.
• Flip off notifications outdoors 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.
• Maintain a working “later” listing. Write down concepts and duties that pop up so that you don’t really feel stress to deal with them immediately. I have already got moved some duties to the autumn as a result of I don’t assume they’re vital sufficient to do proper now.
• Delete or pause pointless apps. Take away something that will get you to test in continually or distracts out of your time without work.
• Share your objectives with your loved ones or accomplice. Allow them to know whenever you’re working and whenever you’re absolutely off – to allow them to assist maintain you to it.

7. Specializing in high-impact duties solely

Once I do work, I need it to depend.

So I’m specializing in duties that want me proper then. For me, this would possibly imply creating content material that brings in visitors or income, sending emails to my listing, 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 high income-generating duties. These may be 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 all the things 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 may be stunned what’s not truly serving to your corporation 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 initiatives. It’s okay to save lots of concepts for later – they don’t all must be carried out earlier than your break.

8. Utilizing ChatGPT to brainstorm and save time

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

I take advantage of it to assist brainstorm weblog publish subject concepts, write outlines, provide you with topic strains for emails, and even draft social media captions. If I’m caught or simply want a contemporary view on one thing, ChatGPT helps me transfer ahead quicker. It’s like having a brainstorming accomplice accessible 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 subject concepts in your area of interest. For instance, I not too long ago fed all of my most up-to-date articles which have gone viral and requested ChatGPT to brainstorm extra article concepts which can be related.
• Use it to create outlines earlier than writing. You possibly can feed ChatGPT a bunch of your previous weblog posts after which ask: “Are you able to define a publish in my model 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 previous 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 put in writing Pinterest pin descriptions. Ask: “Write a keyword-rich Pinterest description for a publish about price range journey ideas.”
• Use ChatGPT to investigate your previous posts on Fb, research your model, and provide you with lots of extra concepts for Fb posts.
• You possibly can even simply inform ChatGPT all about your corporation, after which ask it the way it thinks it may possibly prevent time. For instance, you possibly can ask: “I run Makingsenseofcents.com. How do you assume ChatGPT can save me time?” or “I run a enterprise the place I plan journey for {couples}. How do you assume ChatGPT can save me time?” I simply requested each of those questions and it gave me a bunch of concepts I didn’t even listing 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 take advantage of it as an on-demand assistant device 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 like what I do, so that’s fully positive!

Because of this I construct in flexibility. Some weeks I’d work slightly extra and different weeks by no means. 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 rely on me working 24/7, I can take that point off with out all the things falling aside. That’s the good factor about on-line revenue – you possibly can set it as much as help the life you need.

And that life contains lengthy summer time days, sluggish mornings, and extra time with the individuals I like.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Construct further buffer time into your calendar. Don’t schedule each hour – depart area for surprising plans, household time, or simply relaxation.
• Have backup content material prepared. Write 1–2 further weblog posts or emails now that you should use later when you want a break.
• Use instruments that make it simple to pause. Instruments like Package, WordPress scheduling, and social schedulers allow you to plan forward – but additionally cease or reschedule content material if wanted.
• Give your self permission to take a full day (or week) off. Your enterprise received’t crumble when you step away – particularly when you’ve prepped prematurely.
• Revisit your priorities weekly. What felt vital in Could won’t 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 Attainable 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 being profitable.

Working much less this summer time doesn’t imply I care much less about my enterprise. The truth is, it means I’ve set it as much as help me in the easiest way attainable.

By planning forward, batching duties, outsourcing, and incomes semi-passive revenue, I’m creating time to take pleasure in life outdoors of labor – and nonetheless earn an revenue whereas doing it.

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

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

For those who’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? Presumably for a trip? Inform me your plans within the feedback under!

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