Whether you’re an umbrella company worker, a contractor, a freelancer, or a permanent worker, having self-discipline is necessary for success at work.
Freelancing expert Laura Spencer said in a recent interview that having a disciplined work ethic is important for everyone, but is especially relevant for anyone who is self-employed. There’s no one to blame but yourself if you’re flagging behind on a project as a contractor, according to Ms Spencer, because unlike a more traditional position there’s no direct supervisor checking up on you at any given time.
The flexibility of a freelance position can sometimes lead to difficulties for contract workers, even though for many it is actually a blessing. The majority of clients only care about you finishing that project on time and under budget, and don’t have any real opinion on whether you work during the day or if you burn the midnight oil, allowing you to make your own schedule, but unless you have good self-discipline and time management skills, you can easily fall behind or procrastinate on your assignments.
One way to avoid such an ignominious fate, the expert says, is to create a personal schedule for yourself in order to better manage your many projects. This will allow you to create structure on a weekly or daily basis that allows you to complete your work in a sensible manner without having to worry about leaving things off until the last minute, and if you work in a disciplined manner you’ll be sure to have pleased clients at the end of the day.
