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

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 largest causes I began Making Sense of Cents was in order that I may select how I spend my time. I really 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 absolutely!).

And I do know I’m not the one one who needs to get pleasure from 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’ll be able to 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 might be useful for freelancers, small enterprise homeowners, content material creators, course sellers, and extra. If you happen to run any form 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 go away, 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 time (Whereas Nonetheless Making Cash)

Right here’s how I plan on working as little as attainable however nonetheless earn money. I don’t anticipate my earnings to go down in any respect – I really 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 tips on how to begin a weblog, from the technical aspect to incomes your first earnings and attracting readers. Over 80,000 folks have taken my free course!

1. Working forward now to create respiratory 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 prematurely. I’ve already scheduled lots of my content material prematurely, 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 put up scheduling (each WordPress weblog has this), Package for my e-mail newsletters and funnels, and the Pinterest scheduler to verify all the things continues operating whereas I’m offline.

I’m additionally engaged on all of these massive 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 excited 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 massive issues like this proper now’s nice as a result of they’ll take up lots of time, so I’d reasonably do it now than later. I’d reasonably 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 stress-free 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 put up matters, e-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 e-mail software), and Pinterest schedulers to automate your publishing.
• Establish and sort out lingering to-dos. End these annoying backend duties you’ve been pushing aside – like switching platforms, cleansing up plugins, refreshing your About web page, and so on.
• Choose 2–3 massive initiatives to finish now. Select issues that require numerous time or brainpower and end them earlier than summer season begins.
• Create templates for recurring content material. This might be e-newsletter codecs, weblog put up buildings, or social media captions to make future content material quicker to create.
• Audit your affiliate hyperlinks and advertisements. Replace them now in order that they’re working for you all summer season lengthy.

2. Batch work

Batch working is among the greatest methods to save lots of time and get extra executed.

I’ve been doing this for years, and it’s actually a recreation 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 totally different duties, I concentrate on one factor at a time. I’d spend a complete day simply writing weblog posts or a number of hours solely engaged on e-mail newsletters.

This helps me keep centered, keep away from distractions, and create higher work – quicker. And since I’m grouping comparable 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 after I’m working and luxuriate in private time after I’m off.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Select 1–2 days per week for centered 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 centered. 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 put up or making a Pinterest graphic can velocity issues up and ensure nothing is missed. Although 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 levels.
• Report or define a number of movies or reels in a single session. Even in the event you’re not filming in bulk, making ready concepts in batches helps you keep forward.
• Batch your e-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 procuring, appointment scheduling, and different life to-dos might be grouped collectively in order that they don’t interrupt your work stream.

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 elements of my enterprise. I’ve assist with Pinterest scheduling, social media administration, customer support, proofreading, and extra. I don’t should be concerned in each little factor, and letting go of some management has allowed me to take again extra of my time.

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

Delegating duties offers me extra freedom to spend time doing what I really like – and that’s what summer season is all about.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Make a listing of duties you don’t get pleasure from 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 normal 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!
• Take a look at with a small mission first. Earlier than hiring somebody long-term, give them one particular activity and see how they do (and see in the event you’re pleased).
• Set a price range and follow it. Even $100 to $200 a month can release 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 involved in 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 motive I’m capable of step away from work and nonetheless earn cash: semi-passive earnings.

My foremost 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 over time) that herald affiliate earnings on daily basis – whether or not I’m working or not. I’ve additionally created programs that promote on their very own by e-mail funnels, weblog posts, and associates.

As a result of I’ve already executed the exhausting work of making content material and constructing belief with my viewers, I don’t need to be always on-line to earn money. That’s the ability of passive earnings, it retains working for you lengthy after you’ve executed the work.

If you happen to’re simply getting began with a weblog, you’ll be able to 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 could actually help your way of life in an enormous method.

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 critiques. Some of these posts often convert nicely and are nice for web optimization too.
• Use affiliate hyperlinks in your e-mail funnel. If somebody indicators up to your freebie or e-newsletter, ship them to useful sources that additionally earn you earnings.
• Give attention to evergreen content material. Write weblog posts round matters that shall be looked for all 12 months lengthy (like tips on how to price range, tips on how to plan a household trip, tips on how to be more healthy, and so on.).
• 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 outdated content material with affiliate potential. Flip a useful Instagram put up right into a weblog put up or flip a weblog put up into an e-mail e-newsletter.

You possibly can be taught extra about my affiliate internet marketing methods in my course, Making Sense of Affiliate Advertising. This course teaches how I’ve remodeled $2,000,000 with affiliate internet marketing over time!

Additionally, in case you are involved in how I earn money 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 hundreds of weblog posts, emails, and social media updates. Many of those are nonetheless precious and related right this moment. So through the summer season, I plan to refresh and reshare a few of my older content material.

This would possibly imply updating hyperlinks, tweaking headlines, or turning a preferred put up into an Instagram carousel. I’ll additionally schedule evergreen emails to exit to my listing – ones which have carried out nicely 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 often respect a reminder. Repurposing saves time and retains your message constant.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Choose 5 outdated 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 consumer expertise (and conversions).
• Flip weblog posts into short-form video or reels. Break a put up into 3–5 suggestions and report 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 e-mail newsletters. Pull out highlights or suggestions and ship them to your listing with a private observe.
• Create a “Better of” weblog put up roundup. For instance, “10 Most Standard Aspect Hustles” and embrace inside hyperlinks.

6. Setting clear work boundaries

Probably the most vital 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 possible work only a few hours per week, largely checking in and ensuring issues are operating 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 e-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 stress-free.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Select your weekly work hours and follow 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 e-mail. Let folks know you’re working restricted hours and once they can anticipate a reply. I don’t plan on doing this, however this can be a good suggestion for others.
• Flip off notifications exterior of labor time. Silence apps like Slack, e-mail, and social media if 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 aren’t any surprises.
• Preserve a operating “later” listing. 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 vital sufficient to do proper now.
• Delete or pause pointless apps. Take away something that will get you to verify in always or distracts out of your day without work.
• Share your targets with your loved ones or companion. Allow them to know if you’re working and if you’re absolutely 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 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 is likely to 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 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 is likely to be shocked 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 initiatives. It’s okay to save lots of concepts for later – they don’t all should be executed earlier than your break.

8. Utilizing ChatGPT to brainstorm and save time

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

I exploit it to assist brainstorm weblog put up matter concepts, write outlines, provide you with 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 companion 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 after I want it most.

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Ask ChatGPT to brainstorm weblog put up matter concepts in your area of interest. For instance, I lately fed all of my most up-to-date articles which have gone viral and requested ChatGPT to brainstorm extra article concepts which are comparable.
• Use it to create outlines earlier than writing. You possibly can feed ChatGPT a bunch of your outdated weblog posts after which ask: “Are you able to define a put up in my fashion titled ‘10 Simple Methods To Save Cash On Groceries’?”
• Have it draft social media captions. Copy/paste a part of your weblog put up and say: “Flip this into 3 Instagram captions in my voice.”
• Flip outdated weblog content material into e-mail newsletters. Paste a weblog put up and say: “Summarize this into a brief, pleasant e-mail with a call-to-action.”
• Use it to jot down Pinterest pin descriptions. Ask: “Write a keyword-rich Pinterest description for a put up about price range journey suggestions.”
• Use ChatGPT to investigate your previous posts on Fb, examine your fashion, and provide you with a whole bunch 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 could actually prevent time. For instance, you’ll be able to 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 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 right. I exploit it as an on-demand assistant software for after 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 really like what I do, so that’s fully positive!

This is the reason I construct in flexibility. Some weeks I’d work a little bit extra and different weeks in no way. 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 upon me working 24/7, I can take that point off with out all the things falling aside. That’s the great factor about on-line earnings – you’ll be able to set it as much as help the life you need.

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

Right here’s what you are able to do:

• Construct further buffer time into your calendar. Don’t schedule each hour – go away 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 need to use later in the event 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. What you are promoting received’t crumble in the event you step away – particularly in the event you’ve prepped prematurely.
• Revisit your priorities weekly. What felt vital in Might won’t matter in July. So, be ready to regulate your targets primarily based on what your life wants that week.

How I Plan On Working as Little as Potential 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 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 help me in one of the best ways attainable.

By planning forward, batching duties, outsourcing, and incomes semi-passive earnings, I’m creating time to get pleasure from life exterior of labor – and nonetheless earn an earnings whereas doing it.

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

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

If you happen to’re planning to take day 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? Presumably for a trip? Inform me your plans within the feedback under!

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