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Abstract

fter Christmas, but during December, you have the time to really think about what will matter the most in the new year. Maybe ask yourself what’s more important today than a year ago.My writing gained momentum this year, so while I’m doing fine in my voice work, I want to lean into writing a bit more.Learning a new skill is a great way to use downtime.Slow periods mean fewer distractions when it comes to increasing your skill set.It might be time to go through that online course you bought during the pandemic or maybe check out tutorials on YouTube.I’m embarrassed by the number of courses I’ve purchased and not completed. To make things worse, many of them are out of date. For example, most of my Photoshop courses don’t include their Generative Fill.You could use the holidays to experiment.Similar to expanding your skills, this is a great time to practice new techniques.Try a different style or use a medium you’ve always wanted to try, like watercolors. This is a great time to make mistakes.I’ve been practicing with scripts I typically think of as “not in my wheelhouse.”Make sure you take that break you really need.Many people trade the hustle of work for the hustle and bustle of the holidays. The problem is that this keeps your stress level high. Your brain doesn’t get the rest you might need.Step back and take time for yourself. Go outside and forget about your wor

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k. Partake of experiences that could refill your creative tank.Brainstorm everything. I mean everything.You could do massive creative brainstorming that you never seem to have time for otherwise.Make a list of what you would like to accomplish in 2024. Make a list of projects you would love to do. Try some free association and see what your mind comes up with. Generate a massive list of ideas and jump into 2024 loaded with possibilities.Spend December developing good habits.Start your resolutions today to build momentum into the new year. For example, don’t wait to join the gym. Do it now. By January, you will have done it long enough to stick.Try new routines like the Pomodoro technique or Atomic Habits.Will waking up a half hour earlier make you more productive? Try it and find out.This would be an excellent time to update your portfolio.Granted, it’s a good idea to constantly update it, but often we don’t have the time.I have the scripts and audio of every voice project I’ve done this year, and I’ve begun to sift through them to see if there is recent work that’s better than what’s in my current demos.These seven things will lead you to a better start for next year. Imagine your confidence when you reach January armed with new skills, ideas, and habits that will put you ahead of everyone else.Don’t squander away the time. Make it work for you.</article></body>

7 Ideas for Freelancers Who Get Less Work During the Holidays

They will help you storm into the new year

For many freelancers, the holidays can mean the number of jobs and projects coming their way will diminish.

I’ve learned December is a lean month for me. I’m a voice actor who does everything from commercials, characters in games, and audiobook narrations. Christmas projects were done months ago. And while there’s always a bit of a rush right before Thanksgiving, overall, I find myself with lots of time on my hands.

I don’t want to waste this time, so I’ve devised a list of things to do while waiting for work to pick up.

The first one is to get your financial affairs in order.

Why wait for tax season to scramble for receipts and invoices? Downtime is perfect for gathering what you’ll need.

In my case, I have to update a spreadsheet my wife created for me. I confess I don’t keep track as well as I should during the year, so this is my opportunity to surprise her on January 1 with most of my tax information.

The tax deadline will get here faster than you realize. Tax time will be a breeze if you’ve already organized your receipts and invoices.

December is a great time to reevaluate your priorities.

Most people save this for after Christmas, but during December, you have the time to really think about what will matter the most in the new year. Maybe ask yourself what’s more important today than a year ago.

My writing gained momentum this year, so while I’m doing fine in my voice work, I want to lean into writing a bit more.

Learning a new skill is a great way to use downtime.

Slow periods mean fewer distractions when it comes to increasing your skill set.

It might be time to go through that online course you bought during the pandemic or maybe check out tutorials on YouTube.

I’m embarrassed by the number of courses I’ve purchased and not completed. To make things worse, many of them are out of date. For example, most of my Photoshop courses don’t include their Generative Fill.

You could use the holidays to experiment.

Similar to expanding your skills, this is a great time to practice new techniques.

Try a different style or use a medium you’ve always wanted to try, like watercolors. This is a great time to make mistakes.

I’ve been practicing with scripts I typically think of as “not in my wheelhouse.”

Make sure you take that break you really need.

Many people trade the hustle of work for the hustle and bustle of the holidays. The problem is that this keeps your stress level high. Your brain doesn’t get the rest you might need.

Step back and take time for yourself. Go outside and forget about your work. Partake of experiences that could refill your creative tank.

Brainstorm everything. I mean everything.

You could do massive creative brainstorming that you never seem to have time for otherwise.

Make a list of what you would like to accomplish in 2024. Make a list of projects you would love to do. Try some free association and see what your mind comes up with. Generate a massive list of ideas and jump into 2024 loaded with possibilities.

Spend December developing good habits.

Start your resolutions today to build momentum into the new year. For example, don’t wait to join the gym. Do it now. By January, you will have done it long enough to stick.

Try new routines like the Pomodoro technique or Atomic Habits.

Will waking up a half hour earlier make you more productive? Try it and find out.

This would be an excellent time to update your portfolio.

Granted, it’s a good idea to constantly update it, but often we don’t have the time.

I have the scripts and audio of every voice project I’ve done this year, and I’ve begun to sift through them to see if there is recent work that’s better than what’s in my current demos.

These seven things will lead you to a better start for next year. Imagine your confidence when you reach January armed with new skills, ideas, and habits that will put you ahead of everyone else.

Don’t squander away the time. Make it work for you.