I work between 7-12 hours on a typical workday (for me that is usually Monday thru Saturday, unless a regular would like a Sunday appointment).
These are rough time estimates and some tasks aren’t daily. Especially where regular clients are concerned, I do my absolute best to make my schedule accommodate, so there is a lot of flexibility (aka headache).
Return emails, phone calls and post on various boards- 2hrs minimum each day
Post in my journal and research (picture ideas, look for new outfits online, search for info to make my journal interesting, etc.)- 1 hr each day
Travel Research- that can take a lot of time and thought. I try to get my schedule together as far in advance as possible to save money on travel and to take advantage of sales. I probably average about 4 hrs a week in this area.
Apartment maintenance- only when I am in NYC. I must straighten up my apartment in the morning, call for my laundry, put away linens (doesn’t sound like a lot, but it adds up), keep light refreshments on hand (go to the grocery, liquor store) and I have to change linens as I see clients- 1 hr each day minimum, up to 3.
Gym- 1 ½ hrs, 3 times a week (sometimes more, as I am trying to be a less thick beauty, lol). Around 4 hrs a week on average.
Nails- Nails and pedicure, 2 ½ hrs a week, sometimes I can go 2 weeks but no longer.
Preparation for appointments- at a minimum 30 mins (if my hair has been washed once already that day). If I must wash my hair again, or for the first time of the day, I need about an hour. My hair is a mop, so it requires a lot of maintenance. This amount varies depending on how many clients I see a week.
General Logistics- buying supplies, banking, etc.- about 4 hrs a week on average.
Then there’s just seeing clients, lol. Imagine if it was only that easy!!
I also consider my effort to achieve my goals via this industry as part of my work day, i.e.- getting an education. Thou I am not currently attending, I need to retake the SAT so I spend about 6hrs a week working on algebra and SAT prep tests. Once that’s done, it will be researching schools and writing entrance essays.
There are also activities I indulge in on occasion, to keep myself sane. Thou this is a wonderful and mostly, enjoyable venture it is ultimately very taxing. Your mind, body and spirit are constantly being drained, which isn’t a bad thing, but those have to be restored and nourished. Monthly I go to a Korean bathhouse, get acupuncture, take dance classes, attend watercolor classes and read as much as possible. Helps me to keep myself fresh and happy with my job, and therefore I consider those “extracurricular” actives as part of my hobby maintenance.
XO
Melanie