It seems so common that self-employed designers work day and night, weekdays and weekends. Many designers feel obligated to be available whenever and wherever their clients need them. Not me! I figured I had to take control before I go insane.

Having regular business hours was important to me. People can call, fax, and/or email me Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Meetings outside business hours must be pre-arranged. Although I work from home, I make an effort to be in office by 9, properly dressed with hair and makeup done. This way, I look forward to the end of day to get off work, and I look forward to weekends to enjoy my personal life.

Another compliant I hear from designers is they can never find time to learn new technology, go to seminars, or attend industry events. Well, you don’t find time, you MAKE TIME. I do spend part of my business hours doing things that do not bring profit but are important, i.e., lunch with a colleague, networking, and hanging out at some trade events. Unless absolutely necessary, I will not replace those appointments with last-minute client meetings.

I take my one-person operation seriously. Some may think I am inflexible. I believe I function the best when my business is structured.