One of the most significant obstacles parents face is dealing with unexpected issues that put them behind schedule. These problems run the gamut from broken equipment (like when the toddler jumps onto your laptop and breaks the screen) to a child’s high fever, which means no childcare or school and loss of a workday for you. Pushing through emergencies and the exhaustion of coping with sick kids or <gasp> getting sick yourself is tough.
Sure, it’s best to get ahead when you can. However, even the most productive and organized writers face a time crunch brought on by a crisis. It happens. With more than 3.9 million Americans working from home, staying on top of work while balancing life is essential. The key is preparation, professional communication, and knowing your limits.
Prepare for the unexpected
Stay on top of client work by organizing your schedule and keeping it updated. Look ahead a few weeks and determine if any time restraints are coming up. Often problems can be avoided by knowing you’ll be pressed for time on a week when you have multiple functions or the kids have school vacation.
Right now, brainstorm a few backup options if you were faced with a deadline and a crisis hit. Do you have a spouse, parent, or friend who could cover a few hours? What’s your backup plan for a broken laptop? By reviewing your calendar and thinking about alternatives, then you’ll be aware of potential problems and be able to take steps to alleviate these issues.
Communicate before the deadline
Is that a cough from seasonal allergies or are you coming down with the flu? Feeling worn out from typical life or is it something more? If a deadline nears and there’s any question over completing an assignment on time, then shoot an email to your client.
Let your customer know you’re facing an issue, but you’re working to complete it on time. Tell them you’ll keep them informed. Assure your client that this assignment is your top priority. While editors don’t want a run-down of your problems, they do appreciate a simple heads-up.
Dig in and do the work
Part of being an entrepreneur is longer or untraditional work hours. There are times of the year that you’ll put in more late night hours, or your editor will require a quick turnaround. Keep clients happy by being reliable. Your dependability may mean you take care of a sick child all day and want to drop into bed at night. Instead, you set a timer for 30 minutes, research, and write an outline. When an emergency occurs, then often your only choice is to miss a deadline or dig in and do the work.
Know your limits
While some illnesses come on suddenly, other times, we sense we are getting overwhelmed, overtired, or otherwise struggling to keep up. Pay attention to your body, calendar, and your commitments. Be prepared to turn down client work or expectations you can’t meet. If you find yourself in a situation where you don’t have the energy to dig in and finish the job late at night or face an unforeseen schedule change that throws you for the loop, then your last resort is to ask for an extension.
A quick email should do four things:
1. Apologize.
2. Assure the client that this work is a priority for you.
3. Suggest a date you can have the assignment completed.
4. Thank them for their time, let them know you value their business and appreciate their understanding.
Working from home and being the primary caregiver creates unique working conditions and obstacles. I can’t stress enough the importance of professional communication. We are writers. However, we are also business owners with a reputation on the line.
Be aware of your calendar and plan for unforeseen events by getting work done ahead of time. Communicate with clients regarding potential time conflicts. Follow up with your status before the deadline and offer solutions. As long as this is the exception and not your normal state of work, then many clients understand a one-off problem.
Writers who find themselves in a continual state of emergency may need to work on additional ways to organize their time and manage their productivity. However, I have friends who thrive on tight deadlines and work best in crisis mode. As long as you plan for the unexpected and keep the lines of communication open, then you’ll fare just fine.
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Hello, I agree so much about keeping your client informed, currently I am not dealing with client for my blog. But if I ever do, then this article is right on the nail. Should copy and paste the 4 steps on a sticky and put it on the side of my screen. Very informative article.
Thanks for reading! We all have those tired brain moments, so a sticky with the tips is a fantastic idea!