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

This summer season, 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 may select how I spend my time. I like running a blog and serving to others, however I additionally wish to be current for the enjoyable moments – particularly through the summer season when my household and I are out exploring, touring, and having fun with life (summer season is my favourite season within the mountains – so I wish to use that point totally!).

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 wish to present you that this sort of flexibility is feasible. With some planning, techniques, and the precise earnings streams in place, you may work much less and nonetheless earn a superb earnings.

And whereas I’m sharing this from the angle of a full-time blogger, the following tips will be useful for freelancers, small enterprise house owners, content material creators, course sellers, and extra. In the event you 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 season – and how one can too.

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

Right here’s how I plan on working as little as attainable however nonetheless generate profits. 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 Start A Blog FREE Course. On this free course, I educate you 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 respiration room later

Proper now, I’m placing in further 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 a number 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), Kit 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 yr. 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 enthusiastic about 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 large issues like this proper now’s nice as a result of they’ll take up a number of time, so I’d somewhat do it now than later. I’d somewhat my summer season 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 mountaineering with my household or enjoyable by the water.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Create a content material calendar for the subsequent 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, Kit (or no matter you utilize to your electronic mail device), 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 so forth.
• Decide 2–3 large tasks to finish now. Select issues that require a number of time or brainpower and end them earlier than summer season begins.
• Create templates for recurring content material. This might be publication codecs, weblog publish buildings, 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 season lengthy.

2. Batch work

Batch working is without doubt one of the finest methods to save lots of time and get extra executed.

I’ve been doing this for years, and it’s actually a sport 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 concentrate on 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 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 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, picture modifying on Tuesdays, and Pinterest pin creation on Wednesdays.
• Use a timer to remain targeted. Attempt working in 25- or 45-minute blocks with brief breaks in between (Pomodoro fashion).
• Create checklists for repeat duties. For instance, a guidelines for writing a weblog publish or making a Pinterest graphic can velocity issues up and ensure nothing is missed. Regardless 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 subsequent day, then edit suddenly – breaking it into clear phases.
• Document or define a number of movies or reels in a single session. Even for those who’re not filming in bulk, getting ready concepts in batches helps you keep forward.
• Batch your electronic mail advertising. Plan and schedule your weekly or month-to-month emails multi functional go, utilizing earlier content material as inspiration.
• Batch private duties too. Grocery purchasing, appointment scheduling, and different life to-dos will be grouped collectively so that they don’t interrupt your work circulate.

3. Outsourcing what I don’t have to do

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

Over time, 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 have to be concerned in each little factor, and letting go of some management has allowed me to take again extra of my time.

In the event you’re not prepared to rent a workforce, even outsourcing only one factor will help. For instance, you may 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 season is all about.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Make an inventory of duties you don’t take pleasure in or that drain your time. This might be tech points, formatting weblog posts, making graphics, or scheduling content material.
• Begin with only one activity 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 customary working process. Doc the way you need one thing executed with a brief Loom video or Google Doc – it doesn’t need to be fancy!
• Check with a small mission first. Earlier than hiring somebody long-term, give them one particular activity and see how they do (and see for those who’re blissful).
• Set a funds and stick with it. Even $100 to $200 a month can release hours of your time and cut back burnout.
• Outsource private duties too. If work assist isn’t within the funds but, it’s possible you’ll be concerned with hiring a cleaner, grocery supply, or a part-time babysitter – all of it helps your corporation not directly.

4. Incomes with semi-passive earnings streams

That is the most important cause I’m capable of step away from work and nonetheless earn cash: semi-passive income.

My principal 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 herald affiliate earnings daily – 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 executed the arduous work of making content material and constructing belief with my viewers, I don’t need to be continuously on-line to generate profits. That’s the ability of passive earnings, it retains working for you lengthy after you’ve executed the work.

In the event you’re simply getting began with a weblog, you may concentrate on creating useful evergreen content material and constructing visitors to these posts to do the identical. In fact, just remember to promote merchandise you actually imagine in, and assume long-term. Semi-passive earnings builds slowly, however as soon as it’s rolling, it might assist your life-style in a giant 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. A lot of these posts often convert nicely and are nice for web optimization too.
• Use affiliate hyperlinks in your electronic mail funnel. If somebody indicators up to your freebie or publication, ship them to useful sources that additionally earn you earnings.
• Concentrate on evergreen content material. Write weblog posts round subjects that will likely be looked for all yr lengthy (like funds, plan a household trip, be more healthy, and so forth.).
• Observe 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’ll be able to study 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, in case you are concerned with how I generate profits on-line, I like to recommend studying this text of mine – How To Monetize A Blog: How I Grew A $5 Million Blog.

5. Reusing and resharing present content material

I don’t all the time have to reinvent the wheel.

Over time, I’ve written 1000’s of weblog posts, emails, and social media updates. Many of those are nonetheless helpful and related right this moment. So through the summer season, I plan to refresh and reshare a few of my older content material.

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

Most readers haven’t seen all of your content material, and even when they’ve, they generally recognize 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 widespread reader questions.
• Replace affiliate hyperlinks, pictures, and outdated data. This retains your content material contemporary and improves consumer expertise (and conversions).
• Flip weblog posts into short-form video or reels. Break a publish into 3–5 suggestions and file 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 Fashionable Facet Hustles” and embrace inner hyperlinks.

6. Setting clear work boundaries

One of the crucial essential issues I’m doing this summer season is defending my time.

I’m selecting particular days and hours that I’ll work and sticking to them. I’ll seemingly work just some hours every 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 all the things – particularly if it means sacrificing time with my household or enjoyable.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Select your weekly work hours and stick 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 to your electronic mail. Let folks know you’re working restricted hours and after 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 outdoors of labor time. Silence apps like Slack, electronic mail, and social media while you’re off the clock.
• Set boundaries with shoppers, manufacturers, or collaborators. Allow them to know your summer season schedule forward of time so there are not any surprises.
• Hold a working “later” checklist. Write down concepts and duties that pop up so that you don’t really feel stress to deal with them instantly. I have already got moved some duties to the autumn as a result of I don’t assume they’re essential sufficient to do proper now.
• Delete or pause pointless apps. Take away something that will get you to verify in continuously or distracts out of your time without work.
• Share your objectives with your loved ones or accomplice. Allow them to know while you’re working and while you’re totally off – to allow them to assist maintain you to it.

7. Specializing in high-impact duties solely

After I do work, I need it to depend.

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 high income-generating duties. These may be writing weblog posts, sending emails, or optimizing affiliate hyperlinks – concentrate on these first.
• Use the 80/20 rule. Ask your self: “What 20% of my duties herald 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 have to cease that.
• Observe 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 really 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 tasks. It’s okay to save lots of concepts for later – they don’t all have to be executed earlier than your break.

8. Utilizing ChatGPT to brainstorm and save time

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

I exploit it to assist brainstorm weblog publish subject concepts, write outlines, give you topic traces 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 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 subject concepts in your area of interest. For instance, I just lately fed all of my most up-to-date articles which have gone viral and requested ChatGPT to brainstorm extra article concepts which are related.
• Use it to create outlines earlier than writing. You’ll be able to feed ChatGPT a bunch of your outdated weblog posts after which ask: “Are you able to define a publish in my fashion 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 put in writing Pinterest pin descriptions. Ask: “Write a keyword-rich Pinterest description for a publish about funds journey suggestions.”
• Use ChatGPT to research your previous posts on Fb, examine your fashion, and give you a whole lot extra concepts for Fb posts.
• You’ll be able to even simply inform ChatGPT all about your corporation, after which ask it the way it thinks it might prevent time. For instance, you may 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 checklist above!

Now, I do wish to say – I by no means simply take what ChatGPT says and publish it. I’m closely modifying it and ensuring the knowledge is appropriate. I exploit it as an on-demand assistant device for once I wish 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 season, and that’s okay. I like what I do, so that’s utterly superb!

Because of this I construct in flexibility. Some weeks I’d work just a little extra and different weeks under no circumstances. I don’t plan on working 0 hours every 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 all the things falling aside. That’s the good factor about on-line earnings – you may set it as much as assist the life you need.

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

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Construct further buffer time into your calendar. Don’t schedule each hour – depart house 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 utilize later for those who want a break.
• Use instruments that make it straightforward to pause. Instruments like Equipment, 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 gained’t collapse for those who step away – particularly for those who’ve prepped upfront.
• Revisit your priorities weekly. What felt essential in Could won’t matter in July. So, be ready to regulate your objectives based mostly on what your life wants that week.

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

I hope you loved my article on how I plan on working as little as attainable whereas nonetheless earning money.

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

By planning forward, batching duties, outsourcing, and incomes semi-passive earnings, I’m creating time to take pleasure in life outdoors 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 just a little, I hope my article reveals you that it’s attainable to work much less and reside extra.

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

In the event you’re planning to take time without work or work much less this summer season, 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 under!

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