Mélissa Aubry’s Post

⏱️ How Freelancing Taught Me to Manage Time (Without Losing My Sanity) Freelancing sounds like freedom. Until you’re juggling three deadlines, two revisions, and a full inbox before lunch. I used to think productivity meant working nonstop. Now I see it’s about balance, not busyness. There were weeks when I said yes to everything and wondered why my creativity disappeared. Turns out, burnout isn’t caused by too much work. It’s caused by too little structure. So here’s what I remind myself 👇 → Not every task deserves the same urgency. → Breaks are part of the workflow, not a reward. → Clear boundaries create better results. Managing time isn’t just about calendars and checklists. It’s about creating space to think, breathe, and stay inspired. 💬 How do you stay organized without losing your creative flow? #FreelanceLife #TimeManagement #CreativeProcess #WorkLifeBalance

🔹 Are 1099 Jobs Better for Work-Life Balance? 🔹 At CMSGroupUSA, we get this question a lot—and for good reason. As more professionals explore freelancing and contract work, understanding the true benefits of 1099 employment becomes increasingly important. ✅ So, is it better for work-life balance? Based on our daily conversations with specialists across industries, the answer is often yes—especially when compared to traditional 9-to-5 roles. Here’s why 1099 jobs stand out: 🕒 1. Flexibility One of the top perks of 1099 work is setting your own schedule. Whether you're a parent juggling school drop-offs or simply someone who thrives outside standard hours, you decide when you work. 🏠 2. Remote Work Opportunities Most 1099 roles—particularly in tech, marketing, and IT—can be done remotely. Say goodbye to commutes and hello to more time for yourself, your family, and your goals. 🎯 3. Autonomy As an independent contractor, you choose your projects, clients, and workflow. You're not tied to office politics or rigid processes. You’re paid for your expertise—and you deliver it on your terms. 🌍 With platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr, plus listings on LinkedIn and Indeed, opportunities for freelance professionals are more accessible than ever. ⚖️ Of course, 1099 work also comes with responsibilities—like managing your own taxes and benefits—but for many, the freedom, flexibility, and focus on personal well-being are well worth it. At CMS, we encourage professionals to explore this path if they’re seeking greater work-life balance and career autonomy. Have you made the switch to 1099? How has it impacted your lifestyle? #FreelanceLife #1099Jobs #WorkLifeBalance #RemoteWork #CMSGroupUSA #CareerFlexibility #GigEconomy #ContractWork #FutureOfWork #IndependentContractor

🕓 Just because I can work “whenever I want”, it doesn’t mean I have to work whenever YOU want. As a freelancer, do you also feel that sometimes people don’t really respect your time? There seems to be this whole general idea - or fantasy - that, because we freelancers work “with flexibility”, it means that we can push the workload around our schedule like it’s nothing, fit in a new task in the weekend… or even take time off on a whim. The truth is: we’re way more constrained to work than people who have fixed working hours. I might be able to work from a different location or take time off on a Wednesday, that’s true. But if I have a non-negotiable deadline, I could be compensating for it during the witching hours... And it’s okay. It’s my choice to live like this, so I adapt to whatever comes and balance my life with work the best and healthiest way I can. → But on my terms. Earlier this week, I was supposed to have an appointment at a previously scheduled hour. The day of the appointment, the person reached out to me and requested to do it one hour earlier due to a scheduling conflict they had, and I said: “I have work to do, and I’m not sure I’ll be done by then. I can let you know later.” To which they replied: “Oh, but you’re a freelancer. Why don’t you stop working before the appointment and then resume it when we’re done?” I know the intention was good, they were just trying to find a solution. Yet I felt disrespected. As if my flexibility gave them the right to twitch my time as they pleased. I ended up calling off the appointment altogether. If I want my time to be respected, then maybe I should be the first to do it, right? So yes, I’m a freelancer. But no, I will not bend my time to your preferences.

⏰ One of the hardest parts of freelancing is managing your time — especially when you’re your own boss. Here’s a simple routine that helps me stay focused and productive: 🌞 Morning: Plan 3 priorities using the Covey Matrix (urgent vs. important). 📧 Midday: Check and reply to client messages in one block — no constant switching. 🧘 Afternoon: Work in focused 90-minute sessions, then take 15-minute breaks. 🌙 Evening: Review your progress and prep tomorrow’s to-do list. ⚡ Bonus tip: Use tools like Toggl, ClickUp, or Notion to track time and projects. #FreelancingTips #TimeManagement #Productivity #FreelanceWork #RemoteLifestyle #WorkSmart #FreelancerMindset

Yesterday, I talked about slowing down and giving yourself grace when life happens. But here’s another side of that story that freelancers and remote workers know too well: When you’re paid hourly, slowing down also means no income. When I was unwell and had to take a break, reality hit: no logged hours, no pay. And that’s the tricky balance of this lifestyle. Flexibility is a gift, but it also comes with uncertainty. Over the years, I’ve learned (and still learning) how to navigate this side of freelancing. Here are 5 ways that have helped me and might help someone else too. 1️⃣ Build a financial buffer, even a small one. Set aside a “slow season fund.” It doesn’t have to be huge, consistency matters more than amount. Even saving a few dollars each week adds up when you need it most. 2️⃣ Diversify your income streams. Don’t rely on one client or one source. Offer add-on services, explore passive income options (like templates or e-books), or collaborate on short-term gigs that fit your skill set. 3️⃣ Know your non-negotiables. List your must-pay expenses (rent, utilities, essentials). During slow seasons, focus on covering these first and scale down extras temporarily. 4️⃣ Vet clients early. Ask clear questions before signing on. Always request contracts and partial upfront payments, especially with new clients. A good client respects structure. 5️⃣ Have a reset plan. When contracts end or payments delay (because they sometimes will), use that space to update your portfolio, pitch new clients, or learn a new tool. Downtime doesn’t have to be wasted time. Freelancing isn’t just about freedom, it’s about resilience. And while income can fluctuate, one thing you can control is your preparedness. To anyone navigating this reality right now, take heart. You can rebuild. You can plan better next time. You can find your rhythm again. #FreelanceLife #RemoteWork #FinancialWellness #MoneyMatters #FreelancerTips #Resilience #WorkFromAnywhere #GrowthJourney

Lately, I’ve been seriously thinking about making the shift from corporate work to freelancing. It’s something I’ve always been curious about the idea of working remotely, managing my own time, and building something that’s truly mine. But if I’m being honest, it’s not an easy decision. Leaving the stability of a corporate setup means giving up structure, predictability, and that sense of security that comes with a regular paycheck. In freelancing, you are your own system you find clients, manage projects, handle finances, and keep yourself accountable. It’s exciting, but also a little scary. There’s that risk of feeling lost when you no longer have the usual routine or team to rely on. Yet, there’s also that freedom the kind that pushes you to grow, learn new things, and define success on your own terms. I’m not fully there yet, but I’m preparing myself learning, exploring, and talking to people who’ve made the leap. And honestly, every story I hear inspires me more to take that risk for something that feels aligned with the life I want to build. For those who’ve already transitioned what was your turning point? And what advice would you give someone who’s just starting to explore this path? #CareerJourney #FreelancingLife #RemoteWork #PersonalGrowth #NewBeginnings

When I was working full-time, Mondays were easy. Then I started freelancing. Suddenly, no manager was telling me what to do or a list of weekly tasks. It was just me, staring at the screen, thinking, “What should I do today?” It was pure chaos. I would forget deadlines, spend 5 hours on a task when I had to finish 3 more on that day. While I had some days entirely free. So I started using Asana. Now, ✅ I spend 10–25 mins every Sunday planning the week ✅ Distribute tasks by day ✅ Review what worked every Friday That’s it. It's like being your own manager, and keeping your work in check. It’s wild how a 20-minute habit can save hours of mental energy and prevent decision fatigue. Which tools do you use to keep your work organized?

To all freelancers, Please say this clearly in your first client meeting: “I don’t work on Sundays/Holidays” And don’t hesitate while saying it. Because boundaries don’t make you unprofessional. They make you sustainable. In the early days, most freelancers (including me) said yes to everything. Late-night revisions, Sunday calls, and “urgent” messages that couldn’t wait till Monday. But here’s what happens when you never pause: - You start losing focus - Then creativity - Then the joy that made you start freelancing in the first place Clients respect people who respect their own time. If someone can’t value your off day, they’ll never value your workday either. So next time, say it with confidence: “I don’t work on Sundays.” You’re not being difficult. You’re being disciplined. 💪

Dear freelancer, note the following: Client Management: ✔️Setting clear boundaries from day one prevent 90% of issues. ✔️ Never overpromise out of fear of losing a client. Underpromise, then overdeliver. ✔️ Prioritize clear and effective communication every step of the way. Pricing Struggles: ✔️ Confidence follows proof. Start by charging what you can defend with results. ✔️ When you want to raise rates, evolve quietly and let your results justify it. Consistency: ✔️ Freelancing success is mostly from “boring” discipline. Motivation can only get you so far. ✔️ You can be talented, but if you’re inconsistent, the algorithm (and eventually your clients) will forget you. Burnout & Balance: ✔️ Overworking to “prove yourself” sometimes kills creativity. ✔️ Learn to say “no” without guilt. It’s part of sustainability. ✔️ Rest and breaks are as important as working hours. Real-World Lessons: ✔️ You don’t need to have everything figured out. The best freelancers are learners, not know-it-alls. ✔️ Stay hungry for knowledge. Stay informed. It makes all the difference. Happy New Week!

When I first started freelancing, I thought the answer to making more was simple: add another client. And then another. And another. At one point, I had six clients at once. My days were jam-packed, my evenings were full of “just one more thing,” and my weekends? Gone. But at the end of the month… my income didn't looked as different as I had hoped. My income increase didn't match my energy increase. It didn't feel worth it. That’s when it hit me: more clients wasn’t solving the problem — it was the problem. Here’s why: 👉 Each low-paying client comes with its own inbox, systems, and chaos. 👉 You spread your energy thinner, but your ceiling stays the same. The fix wasn’t piling on more. It was landing a few premium clients who paid me enough to replace multiple low-pay ones. Suddenly I had fewer logins, fewer inboxes, and more breathing room — while making more than before. The shift isn’t “more.” It’s “better.” #ExecutiveAssistant #FreelanceVA #VAtoEA #PremiumVA #VirtualAssistantCoach #OnlineBusinessManager #VirtualAssistantLife #VAJobs #FreelanceLife #WorkFromHome #VAcommunity #VirtualAssistantTips #WomenWhoFreelance #MomsWhoWorkOnline #VirtualAssistant