Self-employment can be scary at first. After making the decision to leave my full-time job in order to expand my private practice and teaching studio, I did what I thought was the most logical thing, and took on as many new students as I could. More students, more income, less worries…right?
But what I didn’t factor into that equation was “less time” and “more stress”. I’ve already written about my jam-packed schedule once this month, but thought the topic was worth revisiting after I received this tweet:
It was meant in good fun, of course, but Sarah makes a good point. Most sane people probably wouldn’t schedule 14+ half hour lessons and/or music therapy sessions in one day.
The good news is that I absolutely love my students and the work I do with them. Yes, the days are long, but I’m not sitting in an office, bored, watching the clock count down to quitting time.
But I will admit that maybe I’m a little close to crossing the line separating a healthy workload from too much. I haven’t done so yet, though, and intend to keep it that way. That’s what my waiting list is for!
Sarah’s tweet sparked my curiosity, and now I want to know: what is your definition of too much as far as the number of lessons/sessions per day or week? Have you crossed that line? And if so, how did you handle it?
I did the same thing when I started my practice. I drew the line with weekend sessions (most of the time), but would have 12 hour days and drive over 100 miles a day to see clients. Over time I started to set better boundaries with when my client workday would stop (although paperwork seems to know no schedule) and how far I would drive for clients. It doesn’t mean that a nice mom who really wants music therapy can’t convince me that driving 60 miles round trip is worth it, but I don’t take every client who calls. I’m more than happy to share the wealth! Good luck!
I can’t even imagine adding all that driving to the mix! You are a better woman than I…sometimes I feel lazy for having all my clients come to me ;) Thanks, Becky!
If memory serves me, you are working four days a week, yes? That helped me in the past when I worked long days. Learning to schedule me first (workout, family time, etc.) is part of deciding what I can take on. As I have aged and had a child, my time has shifted as far as when & how long I work. Setting aside a couple times a year to reassess what is working and what needs to change helps me.
Yes, JoAnn – you’re correct, this schedule is only four days per week in the summer. Once school starts, it won’t be quite as dense since it will be spread out over five days. That will give me time to do more administrative work and other projects during the daytime, which I very much look forward to. Thanks for the feedback – very helpful!
Rachel,
I think this is a very good point to bring up! While I admire your work and hope my practice will grow to the proportions yours has one day, I know that I wouldn’t be able to put the time and dedication into seeing 14 kids in a day. When I’ve sat down and looked at a schedule, my sanity, and documentation needs, I’ve figured that I could likely manage around 10 1/2 hour sessions in a day. That doesn’t mean I might not (in the future) sign myself up for more due to needs of a contract (that is one thing on the burner right now), but I think that the situation, if it ever arose, would be optimal to consider hiring a second therapist.
I hear you, Natalie. Hiring a second therapist is definitely a goal of mine in the future, especially since right now I don’t have all the time I’d like to focus on other non-clinical projects. Someday we’ll both be able to do that :)
I don’t think you are crazy at all actually, but I also know that you are very organized and a great time-manager:-) Also, you are very aware of your feelings around your busy-ness, which is crucial- therapists can become quickly burned out when they don’t stay aware of their feelings about their schedule/clients, etc. When I first started working full time in private practice I definitely took the more-the-merrier approach as well, because, however over the last 6 years have I struck more of a balance based upon what is happening in my practice and in my life. What is really positive about your schedule is that you are probably maximizing your focus by doing the same thing for an extended period of time- so you aren’t going from teaching to blogging to therapy to bookkeeping which requires major mindset shifting. I also think a couple of very busy clinical days are okay, especially if they are offset by some non-clinical days or administrative days. If you are able stay “with” your clients during those extended days without becoming stressed by the administrative tasks that are piling up then you are golden:-) Keep in mind that your right balance will change over time based on what is happening in your life, so you will revisit this question regularly!
Jenny – you should be a life coach! Seriously, your advice is really wonderful. I was just thinking yesterday during a music therapy session how good it felt to really be “there” with my student, and not letting my mind wander to other unfinished tasks. All of my work has a designated time, which makes a HUGE difference (just like you said). Thanks so much for your input!
Hi Rachel,
I seem to address that question every year. I don’t use pre-designed programs with my classes or in my private sessions/lessons so it’s my prep time (not my teaching time) that can be overwhelming at certain points in the year (like end of year with special celebrations). It is usually in those times that I think I should re-balance my work schedule for the next year.
Like you, I do love what I do. The time I spend with my classes and private students/clients is time when I feel “present” and “relaxed”…in the zone, so to speak. I’ve been teaching for decades now and that has not changed. The last few years I’ve literally been working 7 days a week. It’s been very productive and this year I decided not to do that anymore.
Next year I am scheduled to work 5 days a week. Two of those days are full on from early morning (students arriving at 7 am) till dinner. Three of those days are schedule for only 1-2 classes/day. No weekends and home for dinner everyday. I have mornings to have time to move a bit slower in the A.M. too (that’s really new!).
You’ll notice I said”scheduled”…:) I do make changes as the year progresses and I now know myself well enough to know I may decide to work Saturdays for a few weeks and then stop. There are times when my schedule has reflected my need for financial security and times when I feel driven to see a certain group of children to complete growth at a certain developmental place.
Next year, my goal is actually to have more downtime, more family time and time to study and learn new things. Parents who’ve been with me for 15 years or more, just smile now when I say I’m cutting back…they know it’s my cycle!
One thing I know for sure now, it’s really important to take holidays! I wish you many holidays!
Susan – thank you so much for sharing your perspective with me! I spent one year working 7 days a week, but it nearly sent me to burnout city. 5 days a week is much more doable…good for you for pulling back. I think I need to start scheduling in downtime, because right now I always feel like I need to be doing something work-related (even if I’m just hanging out watching TV). And yes, holidays are very important!
When I read your first blog on the topic, I considered a response, but refrained. Now that you’re inviting comment, I’d like to share some wisdom gained after 20 years of self-employment. I highly recommend you consider hour-long lessons/sessions. It’s better, generally, for the clients in that they get more sustained and in-depth attention. And better, certainly, for you in that you have fewer transitions, less paperwork, etc. Consider the model of other therapy professions–psychotherapy, speech, OT, etc. They all work in “50 minute hours.” Clients are accustomed to that approach, it isn’t a hard sell. Same with music students for your traditional lessons. I always do hour sessions for violin lessons. 30 minutes is barely enough time to say hello and get started before it’s time to wrap up. You won’t need to find 80 clients to create a 40-hour week, just 40! I’ve never had trouble filling my schedule and am able to create jobs for other therapists to take on the extra work. Good luck.
Mimi, thank you so much for the advice. You bring up a very good point, and one that I will definitely be considering in the coming months.
Hi Rachel,
I’m glad my tweet was so thought provoking. My schedule has shifted dramatically over the 8 years of my clinical practice. These changes took place due to changing employment/contracts, changing interests on my part, and changes in my life (i.e. getting married and having a kiddo). Now that I have a child, I have to really be careful to balance my energy so that I can still be a mom. It is a MAJOR adjustment to try and work 10 hour days on anywhere from 3-6 hours of sleep, depending on what is going on with your child. I think the transition to motherhood can be more challenging for those of us who are in private practice and used to being in control of everything. How do you schedule around your child’s ever changing needs (that you have no control over????. I am constantly re-evaluating my schedule and trying to find the right balance. Life changes constantly, and you have to change with it. The beauty of private practice is that you DO get to make changes as you want to :)
Thanks for the post inspiration! It really helps to have the input of therapists in similar positions who have children, because I’ll be in that boat one of these days, too. I really appreciate you sharing your experience!
Too much is okay if it’s temporary. Knowing you are going to switch things up for summer and fall is probably helpful. Perhaps if you have long days, you should consider longer spring/summer/winter breaks in-between. :)
This is definitely an option that has crossed my mind!!! And I agree with you — my summer schedule is doable, knowing that it is only 8 weeks long.
I have crossed the line before, and never again! (Or at least I’m trying not to) I’m glad you are setting good boundaries and keeping a waiting list. It’s not a surprise at all that you are in such high demand! AND you could raise your rates with that leverage. You are a rock star and my idol. Keep it up and take good care of yourself =)
I never realized just how hard it would be to say “no” or “not right now” once I became completely self-employed! But I’m definitely working on it. Thanks, Kat — the feeling is completely mutual :D
Hi Rachel,
I’m looking for advice! I have a full time music teaching job. It’s demanding and became even more so this past year because of the economy and state reforms and budget cuts. I increased my 4 day work week to a 5 day work week by adding an extra school. Last year was high on stress and low on time! I want to be able to increase my part time business to at least replace the added day. I just can’t figure out where to find the time! And I can’t imagine adding that much more to my already crazy schedule. So I’m wondering: how did you prepare to transition from full time work to full time self employed? Did you do double duty (overbook) your days? and if so how did you cope??
Thanks for sharing your ideas!
Julie
Hi Julie! I completely understand your position. When I knew I could no longer balance my full-time job with my part-time practice (around January of this year), I began adding students to my waiting list with plans to start working with them after the school year ended. This worked out perfectly for me, and you could do the same thing. Just choose a point in time at which you will reduce your teaching workload and start seeing your new students, and hopefully the transition will be as smooth as mine has been so far. Let me know if you want more details!