Striking a work-life-writing balance
- Rhian MacGillivray
- Sep 16
- 4 min read
It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog post, thanks to a very busy August, and so it’s with a hint of irony that I’ve decided to write about managing writing goals with a busy schedule.
Summer was long – my kids have three months off school where we live – and my productivity in every aspect certainly dipped. We’re now getting back into our stride as a family though, and I have to say I’m glad of the routine again.
All this to say, it got me thinking about “balance” and what that word can mean for writers. First of all, everyone’s circumstances are different, so it’s about finding the balance that works for you and those around you. It doesn’t mean equal time spread across your responsibilities, whether that’s writing, a career, kids, family life, but rather finding a rhythm that works for you. One that leaves you feeling satisfied with your output, rather than stressed you haven’t been able to achieve as much as you’d hoped in one area.
Time management strategies
So, let’s talk about how you can manage your writing goals with some writing habits for busy people.
If you have a job, kids, or family responsibilities, and you’re looking to achieve certain goals as a writer, I think there’s a sense of inevitability that you’ll have to make some sacrifices to make things work. That might mean early mornings (some love the “5am writers’ club”), sneaking in writing on your lunch breaks or, in my case, at extracurriculars with my kids (when I’m drafting), or late nights (my personal favourite when in the editing phase, and everything is quiet).
Some people enjoy blocking out writing time in their diaries and setting specific word count goals, although that’s not for everyone, as it can create more pressure and guilt when your targets aren’t met.
I prefer to focus on writing whenever I can, with no set word targets. That said, I haven’t been working to a deadline, so for me it’s more a case of: get the words on a page, even if it’s only 100 today; tomorrow, it might be 1,000. They can be polished later.
Additionally, I’m not someone who forces myself to write every day. I write when I can, and I treat it more as a hobby at times, as I find this helps take the pressure off myself.
Choose the goals that work for you.
Flexibility for a work-life-writing balance
You should also be prepared to be flexible with your writing.
Sometimes life truly does get in the way, and you should cut yourself some slack when you need to let your writing slide for a time while you deal with other challenges (I know I need to pay more attention to my own advice with this point!). There are times of year that are naturally more hectic. You just have to adapt, and maybe readjust your goals in the meantime.
Self-care
Taking time to rest and look after yourself is also equally important, whether you’re a writer or not.
As a writer, I don’t fire on all cylinders if I’ve had a rubbish night’s sleep thanks to the kids or a social event with friends, or if I’m stressed from work. It’s okay not to want to write every day.
Make sure you take breaks from your writing when it’s getting you down too. Sometimes you’re better to walk away from your story for a bit. Some authors claim their best ideas come to them when they’re quite literally out on a walk. Others say the shower is their perfect place to think and iron out plot holes. My writing epiphanies usually come when I’m trying to get my kids to sleep, and I’m in the darkness of their room with no distractions. Or when I’m trying to fall asleep myself (always keep a notepad or your phone close at hand to jot down those ideas! They’re usually the best ones).
When you’ve got a day job and you’re also a parent and a writer, it’s inevitable that some days you’ll feel more burnt out than others. Give yourself permission to let your writing slide for a while to focus on what really matters to you.
Celebrate the wins
Whenever you achieve one of your goals, acknowledge it in some way! Celebrating your wins – whether it’s hitting a word count milestone, completing a first draft, or sending your first query – is important as it will make you feel like it’s all been worth it.
Not only that, it will help keep you motivated and will serve as a reminder when you’re struggling for that balance: you did it before, and you’ll do it again.
Ultimately, striking a work-life-writing balance isn’t about perfection — it’s about what works for you.
Some days, the words will flow and the laundry will pile up. Other days, you’ll have to run around after your kids or attend appointments rather than continue with your latest work in progress. And that’s okay.
The goal is to write when you can and not beat yourself up when you can’t. Remember what made you want to become a writer, and focus on the joy it brings you.
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