How to Maintain Balance in Your Digital Accounting Practice

Working remotely as a digital accountant offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, allowing you to break free from the 9-5 corporate grind and embrace a location-independent lifestyle. However, with this freedom comes the challenge of separating work from personal life, which can often blur together and affect your productivity.

So, how can you strike the perfect balance? In this guide, I’ll share practical tips on how to effectively separate work and life while running your remote accounting practice, ensuring you maintain your sanity and optimize your productivity.

1. Create a Dedicated Workspace

If you’re working from home, it’s crucial to designate a specific area as your workspace. This not only helps you mentally switch into work mode but also creates a physical separation between work and personal life. Choose a quiet corner or a spare room, and equip it with essentials like a comfortable chair, a clutter-free desk, and good lighting. When you enter this space, it signals to your brain that it’s time to focus on your online accounting business.

I work from various locations, but I also have a dedicated home office for when I’m working from home. It’s a separate, quiet room with a tidy desk and all the necessary equipment. During calls or webinars, it’s essential to ensure there are no disturbances. When I finish work, I leave the room and avoid using it during my free time, which helps maintain a clear boundary between work and life.

2. Establish a Routine

Maintaining a routine is key to separating work and personal life, especially in a remote accounting practice. Set specific working hours that align with your most productive times, and stick to them. Start your day with a morning routine that includes activities like exercise, meditation, or journaling to help you transition from personal to work mode. Similarly, have a clear end time for work and use it as an opportunity to switch off and unwind.

I personally enjoy starting my day with a longer morning routine. I have a relaxed breakfast with my husband, followed by coffee and a chat. Then I do a home Pilates or yoga session before getting ready for work. My most productive hours are between 10 and 11 am, so that’s when I dive into my online practice. I also have a rule of not working after 6 pm, reserving my evenings for relaxation and unwinding.

3. Dress the Part

While the idea of working in pyjamas is tempting, getting dressed as if you were heading to an office can create a psychological boundary between work and leisure time. You don’t need to wear formal attire, but changing out of sleepwear into comfortable, casual clothing can signal that you’re ready to tackle your day in your digital accounting business.

Personally, I never work in my pyjamas because it makes me feel sleepy and unproductive. Comfortable casual clothes are my go-to for a typical workday, and I always dress up for client meetings or live webinars to maintain a professional vibe.

4. Set Boundaries

One of the biggest challenges of running a remote accounting practice is managing interruptions from family, friends, or roommates. Clearly communicate your working hours and boundaries to those around you so they understand when you’re available and when you need uninterrupted focus. Consider using physical cues, like a closed door or headphones, to indicate your need for privacy or deep work.

When I’m working from my home office, I usually keep the door open, except during client meetings or live webinars when I need to ensure there are no interruptions. In these cases, I communicate clearly with my family and close the office door. When I work on the go—from cafes, hotels, or campsites—I avoid scheduling important meetings or live events, focusing instead on tasks that require less privacy.

5. Schedule Breaks and Downtime

Just as you would take breaks in a traditional office, it’s important to do the same while working remotely in your online accounting business. Schedule regular breaks throughout the day to recharge, stretch, or grab a healthy snack. Stepping away from your workspace and engaging in non-work activities helps maintain balance and prevents burnout. Additionally, dedicate time to leisure activities, hobbies, and spending quality time with loved ones, as this enhances your overall well-being.

In addition to regular breaks during the day, I have both a start-up and shut-down routine. In the morning, I take about 30 minutes to plan my day, go through my to-do list, and respond to messages. At the end of the day, I review the work I’ve done, plan for the next day, and answer any remaining emails. This helps me close the day with a sense of accomplishment and smoothly transition into my personal time.

Conclusion:

Running a remote accounting practice offers incredible flexibility and freedom, but it also requires effort to maintain a healthy work-life balance. By creating a dedicated workspace, establishing routines, dressing the part, setting boundaries, and scheduling regular breaks, you can successfully separate your professional and personal spheres. Remember, it’s not about working more, but about working smarter and prioritizing your well-being. With these practical tips, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds as you grow your digital accounting business.