Design a Solo Workweek Schedule That Doesn’t Burn You Out

Still in your 9–5 but eyeing location independence? Let's start designing a solo workweek now, so you don’t carry burnout with you when you go.

When you think about leaving traditional work behind, you probably imagine more freedom. Maybe that looks like longer lunches, mid-morning hikes, and quiet productivity in sunlit cafés.

But, without meaning to, many of us recreate the exact rhythm we wanted to escape: back-to-back calls, performative busyness, and a guilt hangover whenever we try to rest.

What if, instead of leaping into remote work and hoping your habits catch up, you started shaping a schedule now that actually supports the kind of life you’re working toward?

In this column, we’re learning how to build new and better habits today so when you do make a shift — whether it’s to freelancing, consulting, or running your own thing — you’re not dragging old, destructive work patterns along.

One Step Closer is our no-fluff series on taking small, intentional steps toward a freer, location-independent life — without burning out or starting over.