8 Comments

Fun read -- and now I want the dish on how you predict how long each project will take. I have a pretty good sense for my Substack posts, but ironically work articles feel impossible to predict.

Expand full comment

So it’s a combo of an average of how long similar projects have taken me in the past plus how long I can realistically spend on it. So if I write a feature over 2 weeks full time and get paid $1000 then I have to be ok with that amount of money for 2 weeks’ work. And if I’m not, I shorten the amount of time I can dedicate to a project.

Expand full comment

I found this interesting as I also do some science writing on a freelance basis. Your days sound more structured and busier than mine, though! And no cortados here in Tokyo 😢

Expand full comment

Yes structure doesn't come easy but I've had to inject it into my days to avoid lolling on the sofa all day haha. No cortados in Tokyo, but more interesting food :)

Expand full comment

Structure is good. You have to be strict on sticking with your structure in your schedule.

Expand full comment

Your day kind of resembles mine--minus the kid. Before work every other day I’ll either go on a run or play some football/soccer before work and breakfast. I usually check my emails in the morning while I have my coffee; give myself time to breathe. Also after emails, I go through my day to figure out what to work on.

Lunch wise, I’ll eat. Go on a walk. I’ll read a nonfiction book. Sometimes if Everton FC, Chelsea FC, or England are playing I’ll watch those matches (I’m in the US, so those midweek matches are midday matches for me). Interesting part is it’s apart of my work too. I’ll write about football and sports. Depending on what the sporting event is I’ll work with it on in the background (i.e. -- Olympics, Euros, World Cups, and etc.).

Depending on if there’s a football match or not I’ll work longer days to catch up on those two hours. But usually done by a certain time at night where chill out around dinner.

Expand full comment

Sounds like a great day! Your work sounds interesting

Expand full comment

It is very interesting! It’s also constant too! 🤣

Expand full comment