Hey there fellow workaholics! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself juggling a demanding corporate job and a side hustle, all while trying to maintain some work-life balance. The struggle is real, and that’s why I wanted to share some insights I’ve gathered on mastering time management. So, in this blog post, I will dive into the time management strategies that have proven invaluable in my remote work journey, especially as someone trying to live more intentionally.
Plan the Night Before
We are starting off strong. One of my favorite time management strategies is to plan what I want to accomplish for the day, the night before. This way, as soon as I wake up I am ready to tackle the tasks rather than wasting precious time and energy on thinking what to do for the day. This ensures that your most productive time of the day is well managed.
Understand Your Priorities
The first step in mastering time management is understanding your priorities. As a young professional with both a corporate job and a side hustle, it’s crucial to identify tasks based on urgency and importance. Not all tasks are created equal, and recognizing which ones deserve your immediate attention is key.
Start by first creating a brain dump, or a list of all the tasks you need to get done. Write it down to clear up some brain space. Then, look through the list and see which ones are the most important tasks. Star those so you know they are a priority.
Break Down Tasks
Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps is a lifesaver. When you’re dealing with the demands of a 9-to-5 job and nurturing a side hustle, the last thing you want is to feel overwhelmed. Divide your projects into bite-sized tasks, and you’ll find that tackling them becomes much more manageable.
Estimate the Completion Times
If you really want to get into using your time efficiently, write down the time it should take you to complete each task. This way, you’ll stay grounded in the work that needs to get done and have motivation to finish the task in the given time. This is an effective time management strategy if you have many smaller tasks to complete.
Time Blocking
Ah, time blocking – the secret sauce of time management strategies. As someone navigating the remote work landscape, I’ve found that dedicating specific blocks of time to different tasks helps me stay focused. Whether it’s corporate meetings or side hustle brainstorming sessions, allocating time intentionally ensures nothing slips through the cracks. Schedule in one or two hours of deep work sessions into your calendar for larger tasks you need to get done for the day.
Eliminate Distractions
Remote work comes with its fair share of distractions – from the lure of social media to the pile of laundry staring at you from the corner. Identifying and eliminating distractions is crucial. Designate a dedicated workspace, turn off non-essential notifications, and watch your productivity soar. One of my favorite apps to use is Forest, which blocks you from leaving the app for the amount of time you set.
Learn to Delegate
As someone with a foot in both corporate and entrepreneurial worlds, delegation is your ally. Identify tasks that can be outsourced or shared with team members. This not only lightens your workload but also allows others to bring their expertise to the table. Especially on your side hustles, remember that spending money on your business is an investment in your business. Don’t be afraid to outsource tasks if it means you have more time to work on growing your side hustle.
{Related Post: The Best Time Management Advice for Young Professionals in Their 20s}
Utilize Technology
In the digital age, technology is a young professional’s best friend. Explore time management tools and apps that align with your workflow. Whether it’s project management platforms or productivity apps, leveraging technology can streamline tasks and enhance efficiency. Applications like Notion can be a lifesaver when it comes to storing all the information you need in one go-to space.
Develop a Routine
Routines provide structure in the midst of chaos. Create a daily or weekly routine that accommodates both your corporate responsibilities and side hustle pursuits. Consistency breeds efficiency, and a well-crafted routine sets the stage for success. For example, set aside an hour a day to work on your side hustle during the week, but keep Saturday as your main work day. Or, you can keep Sunday as your complete relaxation day and just get around to doing the household chores.
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of remote work and intentional living all while balancing a corporate job and a side hustle is no small feat. However, using these time management strategies, it becomes not only manageable but also rewarding. As fellow young professionals, let’s embrace these strategies, support each other in our journeys, and thrive in the dynamic world we’ve chosen.
Remember, it’s not about finding more time; it’s about making the most of the time we have. Here’s to mastering time management strategies and conquering the dual worlds of corporate life and side hustles!
With love,
Aditi <3
Aditi Rani – Figuring Out Life in Your Twenties
*Disclaimer: This is not professional advice. Some links are affiliate. By clicking and/or purchasing, I may receive a commission. It does not alter the price or change your buyer experience.