My Daily Routine as a Freelancer Living in Nigeria

this photo is edited by me using canva.
("Freelancing gives me freedom, but every day is still a hustle. Welcome to my reality.")

*Being a freelancer in Nigeria is one of those experiences that teaches you discipline, patience and a little bit of madness, lol. I've been doing this for quite a while now, and every day still feels a little different, but somehow I’ve been able to shape a routine that works for me. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done.

I usually start my day by 5:20am, not because I’m an early riser by nature, but because NEPA (or whatever they call themselves now) will most likely give us light around that time. So I take advantage. I start off by stretching a bit on my bed, just to let my body know the struggle is about to begin. Sometimes I do 30 sit-ups, but I won't lie, I skip that part sometimes 😅.

After brushing and freshening up, I make either tea or pap with rice or beans, depending on what’s available. I don’t usually take heavy breakfasts, but my stomach can take heavy load but not too much in the morning. By 6:30am I’m already in front of my system or phone, replying to client messages, checking my Hive notifications and replying comments if any. That’s also when I start planning which tasks to take for the day.

Most of my freelance work is design-related and leads generation. I do article writing, cold mailings and sometimes outreachs/cold calling. I’ve had clients from different parts of the world, and time zone differences mean I need to be mentally alert all day. Between 8am and 3pm is usually my most productive time. That’s when I do 60% of my work. My phone is on DND (Do Not Disturb), and I only open social media when I’m taking breaks.

all photos are mine.

By 6pm I take a proper break, eat lunch (swallow or whatever is available), and sometimes take a nap if there’s power and fan dey blow me well. If PHCN has taken light, I might just rest my eyes for 15 mins and continue with something light like editing or checking grammar.

In the evening around 5pm, I usually go outside to walk a bit or gist with people around. but i am lucky, because most times I work with team, so those few minutes of interacting with colleagues really helps mentally. I also use that time to observe or take pictures, sometimes shadows or street moments, which I later use on Hive for shadow contests or photo stories.

Dinner is usually something light, and by 8pm I begin reviewing what I’ve done that day. I update my task board (just a small notebook actually), and tick off what I completed. Then if I’m not too tired, I write a Hive post or draft something. Sometimes, I post at evenings because the network is better.

The best part of freelancing for me is the flexibility. I can be broke and busy or free and cashless, haha, but I love the freedom. I can attend to family matters, rest when my body needs it, and chase my own goals, like growing on Hive.

To be honest, there are days I feel demotivated, especially when there’s no light or data issues mess up everything. But I always remind myself why I started, and the dream I’m working toward. One client job, one blog post, one Hive reply at a time, it adds up.

This is my small freelance life, and even though it's not glamorous, I’m grateful. Every day is a hustle, but I own my time, and that’s gold.*