Outsourcing is something that has taken me awhile to start doing. While I know that in many cases it is a need, for a long time I did nearly everything myself.
However, I recently started to notice that I was working 12 hour days, nearly every single day, and that I was getting snappy whenever someone asked me something because I was SO FOCUSED on working.
Even when I wasn’t working, I was still tired and thinking about work. People aren’t kidding when they say that the self-employed really never get a day off. Even though I absolutely love what I do, thinking about your business/job 24/7 just cannot be healthy.
A break every now and then is needed.
Lately though, I feel like I have had more time than ever. I have been eating very healthy, working out more, and I have had actual days off.
And it’s all because of outsourcing!
Over the past few months, I have been outsourcing more and more in my life. While I am all about being frugal and cutting your expenses, I am also all about outsourcing tasks so that you can have more time for other areas in your life.
If you can afford (that’s the key here) to outsource tasks and it makes your life and/or business better and more successful, then why not?
Some of the things I outsource include writing on the other websites I own/run, technical blog management (thanks Grayson!) on many of my websites, virtual assistant tasks, lawn mowing, and more.
As you can tell, I outsource a decent amount in my life. My life has greatly improved ever since learning to let go and outsource more.
Below are some of the many positives of outsourcing work such as business and household tasks.
1. Outsourcing work is great because you can add more time to your life.
Who doesn’t need more time?
Outsourcing work and household tasks means that you can possibly add hours back to your week or even to your day.
The time you save can be used for better things in life, such as spending more time with your family, doing the things that you enjoy, improving your business, and more.
2. Outsourcing allows you to focus on the bigger picture.
One of the great things about outsourcing work and household tasks is that it has allowed me to have more time to focus on what’s important for my business.
My business and my blog have been growing rapidly over the past few months, and I think a lot of it has to do with outsourcing tasks that don’t need me personally so that I can focus on the bigger picture.
I can focus on creating a better plan for my business, putting more time towards this plan, and so on with all of this extra time I have found.
3. Outsourcing means you don’t have to do the things you hate.
Is there anything out there that you absolutely hate and despise doing?
Outsourcing work and household tasks may mean that you can stop doing the things you hate. This then frees up more time for the things you love.
4. Outsourcing work is great when you are not an expert at a task.
One thing I have seen far too many people do is attempting a task when they have no clue what they are doing. This can include being your own lawyer, being your own accountant, and so on. In some instances this can work out perfectly fine, but in others there should be expert help available.
We outsource household tasks if it would take us forever to do (and we know that someone else can complete the task in a lesser amount of time) or if we know that there is a possibility for a big and costly mistake.
5. Outsourcing is great when you can earn more money.
Time is money!
Before you decide to outsource your life, it is usually a good idea to calculate how much the task would cost you if you were to do it yourself.
For example, if you earn $30 an hour doing whatever you do but you can outsource a task for $15 an hour, then it may be a good idea to look into outsourcing the task so that you can earn money instead.
Also, in order for many businesses to grow, at least some outsourcing/hiring is needed. In order for you to grow your business and to grow your income, you will need to have people working for you.
If you can make more of your time available by outsourcing work and household tasks, this can mean more time to make more money at your day job, more time to grow your business, and more.
Do you outsource your life such as with work related or household tasks? Or would you rather save that money instead?
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It really depends on the item and the cost. I’d love to free up the time, but not will to pay a premium to do so. Recently I’m taking the in-sourcing route.
I see exactly what you mean. For me, I am actually able to make more and save more money by outsourcing, so I am fine with it.
This is one of the largest areas where my wife and I disagree.
I’m fine with outsourcing when it saves money or time better spent elsewhere, e.g. house cleaning. Mrs. E. can’t stand the thought of paying someone to do something she can do herself. She hasn’t quite come to terms with the idea of limited time and reducing stress by having someone help. One of these decades she’ll come around… Perhaps if we add another baby to the mix…
This is something that my husband and I struggled with as well. He is fine with outsourcing a lot, and I am slowly coming around 🙂
Yes, exactly! If you are salary, it would be a different situation.
My kids are just starting to get old enough to outsource some of the chores to them. Totally beats paying someone!
Awesome!
I don’t outsource anything right now but I’ve definitely thought about it and plan to in the future. There are lots of little things I hate doing and would much rather pay someone to do so get that time back!
Definitely!
That’s awesome! How much does it cost to do this?
Yes, it can be difficult. They exist though! 🙂
The only thing I currently outsource is lawn mowing. I really, REALLY don’t like mowing the lawn. Having someone else do it relieves me not only of task but the stress of thinking about the task too. So, it’s kind of a ‘two for one’ deal. I reckon that’s a great investment. 🙂
Definitely! 🙂
I don’t outsource…..yet. I know the time will come. Some weekends I don’t seem to have a time to finish everything blog related that I set out to do. Not to mention the e-bay hustle is building up as well.
Yes, the time will definitely come!
Michelle,
Numbers 3 and 4 are the keys, I believe.
There are certain jobs I wouldn’t outsource such as shoveling snow simply because I happen to enjoy doing it. When it comes to a job that I dislike and have low proficiency with, it gets outsourced!
Take care,
– Ryan from GRB
Thanks Ryan!
I outsource my house cleaning! I hate to do it anyways, but I have so many other things that I need to do instead!
I should look into outsourcing cleaning as well. I am bad at it!
Yes, there is no right choice for everyone.
If it’s fun and you enjoy it, then definitely do it!
Yes, yes, yes. I outsource SO much of my business it’s crazy how much, but my time is valuable. I also outsourcing cleaning and laundry. It helps that cleaners are like $5 an hour here 🙂
Good job!
I don’t outsource much – cleaning my house (which I pay for out of my monthly budget) and Grayson’s technical services (from my business budget) is about all that I outsource. I try to do most everything else myself to keep expenses as low as possible while I continue to pay off debt.
Sounds like a good plan Kayla!