DITL of a Freelancer

Freelancing means freedom, right? Mostly, yes, but there are days when my to-do list feels like it’s got me in a chokehold.

I’ve been posting content every single day for the last five years. Yes, every day. If you want to make it as a freelancer, time management isn’t optional—it’s survival.

Morning: Coffee, Client Check-Ins & Social Media Scrolling

I’m in Central Time, which works well for social media management. I truly feel for my West Coast friends waking up at 6 AM, only to realize it’s already 9 AM on the East Coast. (Pro tip: Posting earlier in the day often leads to better engagement and reach.)

The first thing I do when I wake up? Check messages from clients. Some of them are very early risers, and it’s not uncommon for me to get a message at 4:30 AM. After skimming my inbox, I log into my clients’ social media accounts and check for trolls, DMs, comments, and story mentions.

Then it’s time for coffee—big, fat cup of coffee. While sipping, I engage with other accounts, check trends, and start brainstorming content ideas.

Dog Walks & Content Creation on the Go

Their walks sometimes end with one or both of them in the basket of our daughter’s stroller.

Before diving into content creation, I take my two dachshunds out for their morning walk. Some of my best ideas come to me on these walks, so I’m constantly using talk-to-text to capture them. I’m obsessed with talk-to-text—it saves me from being glued to my phone all day, and honestly, my thumbs appreciate the break.

Once we’re back, my dogs get their morning dental treat, and I jump into posting mode.

Posting & Midday Work Block

I manage anywhere from one to four social media accounts daily, typically posting between 8 and 9 AM. After hitting “publish” on feed posts, I switch over to stories, adding organic updates or promotional content.

The next few hours vary. Some days, I’m:

• Writing content for clients

• Editing podcasts

• Taking calls

• Doing some copywriting

Other days, I’m out living life—zoo trips, science museum visits, or my personal favorite: Costco runs.Freelancing means freedom, remember?

Afternoon: More Engagement & Movement

By mid-afternoon, I check in on social media again—responding to comments, engaging with other accounts, and posting additional stories if needed.

Then it’s time for our second walk of the day—usually a two-mile loop. Before freelancing, I never had a desk job, and if I’m being honest, I hate how sedentary this work can be. Getting outside isn’t just about steps; it’s a non-negotiable for my mental health.

Evening: Prepping for Tomorrow

Every day looks a little different, and that’s what I love about freelancing. The only way I make it work? Batching content. Sitting down for a four-hour content session is so much easier than creating new content every single day.

Before bed, I line up my tasks for the next day. I like to wake up and dive straight into work, and nighttime planning makes that possible.

That's an unfiltered DIML as a freelancer. See you back here next week for more of the same.