A lot of people think that because I work from home, I don’t work at all. I will say that it’s an absolutely wonderful life – something I always dreamed about. But it’s not all about sleeping in, being lazy and doing nothing all day!
Sure, I make my own schedule and work on my terms, but I typically work about 12 hours a day, everyday. If I take a break to do something for a few hours, I make it up late at night or early morning. For example, last week I went dress shopping with my mom. We were out for about 4 hours. Soooo I was up working until about 2am.
An example of my schedule is as follows:
- 8-9am: Wake up, make my tea, get ready for my day.
- 9am-12pm: Work
- 12-1pm: lunch break, play with dogs
- 1-4pm: Work
- 4-6pm: feed dogs, take them on a walk or to the park, eat dinner
- 6-12am (sometimes 1 or 2am): Work
I will take 10-15 minute breaks throughout the day to stretch and play with my babies or get a snack. But this is my typical schedule everyday. If I have agility class or something else going on, I make up the work time elsewhere.
In the morning, I start by looking at all of my blog numbers from the day before to see where I ended up. I approve comments, reply to them and just check to make sure everything on my site is working. Then I make a morning Facebook post, then check all of my notifications. After that, I participate in the BlogPaws boost group on Facebook, and catch up on the rest of my social media.
When all of those basic morning duties are done, I work on whatever I need to do for the day. Edit photos, write posts, contact different companies or people, go on outings, take pictures of my dogs, etc. I love my days because they are always different!
It’s important to set good habits for yourself if you work from home. Getting dressed and ready in the morning really helps motivate me to get going. I admit that I don’t do it everyday, but I always feel much better when I do. I also stay on task with an electronic AND paper calendar. I’m a very organized person so I always have my weeks planned out and I never procrastinate. For tips on how to maintain a professional mindset while working from home, check out this article!
I also have a dedicated office for working. If you can’t have an entire room for an office, try creating a great inspiring space that you will LOVE to work in. I recently added some personal touches to my office, including framing my newspaper article, purchasing some doggy office supplies and hanging up my fancy certificate!
If you work from home, how do you schedule your days and weeks? If you are a blogger or run a business from home, do you have an office space you work in?
Anne says
Great post – I am eager to get a daily schedule worked out for myself, and I like the way you described how you do it – it’s inspiring. 🙂
Amanda says
This schedule typically works out nicely for me – it does change some times of course, but I like to try to stick to it! It’s not a super strict schedule either, which makes it much easier for me adhere by!
Jen Gabbard says
12 hours a day is a lot; I love reading about your day to day schedule. I think a lot of non bloggers would be extremely surprised by how much work really goes into everything – from research, planning, writing, editing, doing photos, etc. It’s a lot. Congrats again on your nomination & awesome interview; it’s inspiring to see a fellow pet blogger take the plunge and make it a full time career that works.
Amanda says
You’re so awesome Jen! Congrats again on your nomination as well! I’m in amazing company with the Best New Pet Blog finalists this year! Wow! Whoever wins will be completely deserving!
I wanted to write this post to give people a simple insight into my day because a lot of people think I do nothing all day, and I wanted to clear that up! “Take the plunge” is definitely what I did – I couldn’t have said it better myself. I hope that more bloggers (and people who are looking into following their dream) will take a chance to live the life they want to live!
Jen Gabbard says
I’m so glad you’re letting look into your everyday life – it really is amazing how much work you’ve put into this blog and it’s obvious it’s well thought out and implemented well. It’s a wonderful blog; and letting people know how much work goes into it will help clear up that idea of ‘doing nothing all day.’ I think I should send my coworkers here so they can take a look at what this blogging is really all about. I have a feeling they probably think along those same lines.
Pawesome Cats says
12 hours is a long day, so it’s good to see you reaping the benefits and your success!! I probably work a slightly longer day if I add the hours up. I have a day job (which has me out of the house from 6am-6pm), I catch up with social media stuff during the day and at night, which is when I also write the majority of blog posts. The trick for me is good time management and writing posts in advance whenever possible. See ya in Nashville!
Beth | Daily Dog Tag says
It is hard to keep up with it all! Sounds like you have a great system in place!
Fur Everywhere says
Thank you for sharing a typical day with all of us. I have a routine I follow with my blog, social media, email, contacting companies, etc., but I don’t always start at the same time everyday. I love that I do have flexibility working from home. I love that I can take little breaks and play with or pet my kitties. 🙂
Marie says
When working from home it is necessary to be extremely organized and focused. It can be so easy to get distracted! Having a dedicated office space is very helpful.
Jen says
That’s a great system you have! My short breaks always turn into long ones because I easily get distracted! That is definitely something I have to work on.
Amanda says
Sometimes I do too – totally guilty!
Aimable Cats says
I need to get a better schedule to keep up with my website, housework, and other necessary income-generating tasks.
Amanda says
It’s hard to have a concrete schedule!
kimberley says
I love that you are showing people that it isn’t as easy as it seems to be a blogger. Ive had many people ask how many hours a day I spend on the computer…Its alot and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Rolo & I say Congrats n your Nomination as its very well deserved, we love reading your blog and hope to meet you two at blogpaws next year! 🙂
Amanda says
It’s definitely not easy! It’s been a rough journey and my days are LONG! But just like you, I wouldn’t have it any other way. We’ll definitely be at BlogPaws next year! We’re very excited to head to Nashville this year for our first conference. Thank you!
Jillian Cameron says
Thanks for sharing this info. It’s so important to keep to a schedule, and I’m jealous of yours! Sometimes it’s hard for me to balance working, blogging and spending time with those I love. These were great tips, and hopefully I can work from home someday, too! 🙂
Jana Rade says
I kinda sorta do have a schedule; though when urgent work comes it it gets tricky.
Ann Staub says
You’re a busy and dedicated woman! I used to have a similar schedule, but have cut back a lot. I don’t want to get burned out. I try to devote more time to non-work things in the evenings now. Even so, I find myself checking email and doing odd jobs all night long 🙂 It’s nice to have a job that you love!
Amanda says
You’re so right, Ann. I don’t want to get burnt out either. I’ve been really sick this past week so I’ve only been working about 4 hours a day the last few days. I also try to get out of the house on the weekends and leave my computer behind. That’s why I love going to agility!
Carol Bryant says
I have worked telecommute from home for 14 years now and could never “go back to traditional” office. I love the hours, the autonomy and how I can get things done. Pet bloggers rock, too!
Amanda says
I sure I hope I can do this for the rest of my life!!! I started working from home in a different position in August 2013, and I always feared having to go back to a traditional office. I’m glad I’ve made blogging work so I don’t have to!
Heather says
I know this may sound silly, but you are a great inspiration to me. We are the same age and you have gotten to a place that I strive to reach. I would love to ask for some tips, a bit more in depth, sometime! For now, I’m a big fan!
Amanda says
You are so sweet Heather! Don’t be afraid to shoot me an email or Facebook message! I’d love to chat – even just about life! I love talking with other bloggers my age <3
Kristen–well minded says
Loved that sneak peek into your day. I do have a designated office space, but I don’t always use it. I get bored and like to move around…sometimes I’m working at the dining room table, sometimes outside, sometimes at the kitchen table. Just depends on my mood!
Amanda says
I do too Kristen! I’ll move to the couch or kitchen table sometimes! I will even work in bed if it’s late at night some times!
MyDogLikes says
I work at a school, so when the kids are off for break I follow a similar schedule. Unfortunately, most days I work from 5am-12 or 1 am between the two jobs! Its exhausting, but I just keep reminding myself that it WILL pay off.
Amanda says
It WILL pay off! Just keep plugging away and doing what you’re doing!!!!!
Spencer the Goldendoodle says
Congrats the last couple of weeks! Your story has been truly inspiring, encouraging, and motivating! Keep up the great work!!! 🙂
Amanda says
Thank you so much! It’s all happened so quickly – I’m trying to keep up!
Rachel Sheppard says
People are very misled when it comes to what full time bloggers do all day. So many people think they are just sitting around in their pajamas which is so far from the truth. I am glad you are getting the recognition you deserve!
Amanda says
Hahaha that’s too funny because you are SO right! I mean…some days I do wear my pajamas all day when I work but…LOLOL! I try not to 😉
Victoria Carter says
After having a child, I’m still trying to get back in the groove of things. I was doing so well the months leading up to last years BlogPaws Conference, then Pregnancy took it’s toll, and now I’m three months postpartum and trying to get back to working and have a years worth of catch up to do!