Building Residual Income - Feels Like Cheating?
I’ve added an hour every day, five days a week, to my schedule for completing my book. That spot is for more than just this book, but for creating residual income in general.
And this morning, in spite of an early f2f meeting that took a couple of hours out of my schedule, I actually spent an honest hour editing. Got some good work done, too. I also spotted some problems that will require some thinking, etc. etc. etc. You know, the general stuff that comes up midway through a writing project.
What surprised me most, however, was the internal sense I was cheating or getting away with something during that hour. And it wasn’t that pleasant feeling of cheating you can get if you decide to take one more cookie, or a day at the beach. No, I was, and am, feeling guilty because I wasn’t blogging or working on any of my client’s books.
Now, please note. I’m not behind with any of my clients… although if I don’t produce this week I will be. In other words, the hour I spent on my own book won’t take away anything from my clients… and yet, I feel guilty.
I suspect I can let this one go. I plan to spend another hour on my book all this week… I’ll keep you posted on how well I do.
Meanwhile, do you actually feel guilty if you work on your own writing even when you’re caught up with work for clients? Or is it just me? Let us know.
Write well and often,
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Tags: editors, freelance-writing, freelancers, home-business, passive income, Residual-Income, work-at-home, writing incomeRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Residual-Income
6 opinions for Building Residual Income - Feels Like Cheating?
Matt Tuley
Jun 9, 2008 at 4:29 pm
I never feel guilt when I work on my own projects as long as I’m caught up on client work and I know I’ve got the bills covered. The bonus of being able to spend some of the work day on such projects is one of the perks of freelancing.
Think of it like Google’s 20% policy. They encourage (almost require) their employees to spend up to 20% of their work time on anything that interests them. Anything at all. The only hitch is Google still owns whatever they come up with. In your case, YOU still own whatever you come up with–even better!
Don’t feel guilty.
Anne Wayman
Jun 9, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Thanks Matt… I’d forgotten that about Google… I’ll take it to heart.
Katherine
Jun 10, 2008 at 6:22 am
I used to feel bad when working on my own writing until I burned out. Now, I am in a situation where the thought of writing for clients, despite the pay, is the furthest thing from appealing. All I’ve been doing is writing selfishly and have taken clients out of the equation.
I wish it didn’t turn out this way. I think it’s wise to force yourself to do some selfish writing before you end up in a burnout situation.
Anne Wayman
Jun 10, 2008 at 6:26 am
Thanks Katherine… hadn’t thought about burning out on clients, but I can see how that might happen
Lori
Jun 11, 2008 at 11:28 am
I’m an organizer and I’m anal about deadlines, so if I find some time in my day to write for myself, hell no! I don’t feel guilty at all. I know I’ve allotted enough time/energy to the client project, and the rest of the time is mine. Where I get guilty is when I’ve worked on one or two projects and I find the rest of the day free. I can’t just get up and take the time for myself. Maybe sitting here is my unconscious signal that I’m being productive, but if I play an hour of mahjong, I’m less guilty than if I walked outside and did some gardening.
Anne Wayman
Jun 11, 2008 at 5:45 pm
doesn’t always make sense does it
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