by Rob Ruscher (@robruscher)
Wake up, rush through breakfast, sit in an office, come home, work on freelance-related projects, eat dinner (usually a quickly-made one), continue with some more freelance work, sleep and repeat. That was me when I first started my freelance career and I’m glad I realized it needed to change.
For over a month that was my schedule and my only freedom was a weekend night if I could stay awake. Not healthy. Not fun. Not for me. So how do you balance making money, going out, keeping up with friends, being healthy and most importantly staying happy? I’m still working on perfecting all at the same time but this is what I’ve come up with so far.
GO TO THE GYM. This alone will set off so many good vibes for yourself. You don’t need to put in 5 hours a day to make a huge difference. I try to go 3-7 days a week depending on work, and spend about an hour there. If I go less than 3 days a week I need to step it up and when I am able to go 7 days in a week then it tells me I need to find more projects to work on. We all know the gym makes you look and feel good but it does more than that. When I work out I can’t stand eating unhealthy foods and it forces me to cook healthier dinners and pack a better lunch. I rarely eat out when I am in a workout routine and that saves me money. Money is good.
I have also noticed when lifting or running I am more social. I am in better moods have more energy and have more to talk about other than video stuff. It gives me a break from the real world and much needed me-time. Getting outside is also a great way to detach yourself from everything else. Whether walking, running, or biking, all of these help with a healthy lifestyle. Ok, so I am spending an average of 5 hours a week making myself healthier. What’s next?
SOCIALIZE WITH REAL LIVE PEOPLE. Remember those? I am a huge fan of Twitter and Facebook but nothing is better than getting together with friends, meeting new people and going out. Whether it’s dinner, poker, drinks, or whatever, real people keep you grounded. I am lucky enough to live with two close friends so that makes it easier. You need to make time for friends and have some fun. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people will benefit both your personal life and professional career. Taking time to meet new friends and going out with old ones will also give you chances to meet someone special that can ultimately have a huge impact on your life.
Gym, healthier eating, and real people. Got it. Now for the business part.
MIX BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE. It is easy to get caught up in a career; especially one that you love. That is not a bad thing. If you want to be successful you need to put in the hours and you will have to give up a lot. Just be sure not to give up yourself. You can sometimes combine the above with work. Not always, but sometimes. When I was in college and had to hit the gym I would sometimes take notes for a test with me. I do that now as well. If I am working on a shot list, script, etc, I can take that with me and work on it in between routines. If you are working with friends on a project try meeting in a coffee shop or quiet restaurant. I am a huge fan of outside, weather permitting.
BE FLEXIBLE. I understand working 40 hours a week and trying to start your own ‘thing’ isn’t easy. Organization combined with a schedule can do wonders. Having a calendar or personal planner can help keep routines throughout the week. What I have learned so far is to not make a ‘set-in-stone’ type of schedule. It just adds stress and takes the fun out of the week. I go to the gym as much as I can but if something comes up then fine, I will go tomorrow. I wanted to cook every night but a shoot ran late so I ate fast food. Not a problem. I order the healthiest thing I can fine and am sure to cook something great the next day. I know I have to work a long shift tomorrow so today I will go to the gym and be sure to pack a lunch tonight so I don’t forget. The point is, be flexible. You must adapt to what happens through the week. In a creative field you don’t always have control over your schedule so the more flexible you are the better your chances of having a balanced lifestyle.
--
After graduating college Rob Ruscher started as a production assistant for a corporate company and soon became an associate producer. Shortly after that he became the director of photography. While working for this company he started a freelance career in producing promotional, commercial, and live event videos. It has taken him many places and he enjoy all the traveling he has been able to do because of it.
Website: RobRuscher.com | Twitter: @RobRuscher
