Why we Start on Mondays
I’ve been talking about how freelancing is all about working on your own terms. So why do I insist that we all start the work week on Monday? Even if some of you work at home and don’t need to follow a schedule imposed by others?
Well, the reality is that people have always started working on Mondays. It’s been that way before, it’s that way now, and it’ll be like that in the future. It’s great to stand out and innovate (i.e., do something different from the crowd), but that doesn’t apply here.
If your clients wisely keep their weekends free (as you should), then I don’t think they’d like to discuss business on Saturday or Sunday. It’s probably because they’re spending time with their family, taking a trip, playing a game with their friends, or just relaxing.
They’re probably willing to approach freelancers, negotiate terms, and discuss a project only during the week, don’t you think? In short, while you are working on your own terms, you’ll have to adjust to your client’s work schedule. As I suspect he’s willing to adjust to yours.
So Monday it is! Have a great work week dear readers!
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Monday Madness
2 opinions for Why we Start on Mondays
Lori
May 8, 2007 at 6:43 am
Amen, Rico! And while we’re on the subject, I don’t think clients should expect us to be present and accounted for on weekends, either. Being a freelance writer does NOT give them the right to call on a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon to talk shop. One called me on a Sunday (and he should know better - he’s a preacher!) in order to discuss his project. Meanwhile, I’m covered in paint and the roller and brush are drying out fast - he got the bum’s rush. Another client called on a Saturday morning at 9:30 and left a scathing, five-minute message about things he didn’t like about the project (mind you, he’d approved it and thought if he bitched, he’d get free work outta me - didn’t happen). He woke up three people by calling that early. I didn’t return the call. It’s understandable that people who work 9-to-5 often can’t get to the phone until after hours, but they should have the decency to set up an agreed-upon time to call. Otherwise, they’re ruining someone else’s weekend.
Rico
May 8, 2007 at 7:00 pm
You know what? I never thought about it that way, but you’re absolutely right. Just as we don’t expect clients to be available for business on weekends, they shouldn’t do the same to us either. I do hope you were able to resolve that problem with your client though. :)
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: