Work breakdown structure (WBS)
On government contracts, one of the tasks of the contract program manager is to create a "Work Breakdown Structure" (WBS).
It basically breaks down the project into discrete tasks with associated timelines, costs, dependencies, stakeholders, etc.
Then the contract will inevitably fall behind on its tasks and have to redo it ;).
It's unlikely you'll have to do a contract WBS as a solo 1099, but there are two basic elements from a WBS that are useful in terms of personal productivity.
- Breaking down the work
- Scheduling the work
Big, ambiguous tasks are stressful. However, once you start breaking down the project into smaller and smaller chunks that you can actually do, then it becomes more manageable.
For example, next year I'm moving to the west coast. That's a big task. But it can be broken down into things like
- Setting a move date
- Getting quotes from movers
- Getting rid of junk
- Packing valuable stuff
- Buying plane tickets
All of that is manageable.
Scheduling the work helps you determine what's realistic.
For example, getting quotes from movers may take a total of 1-2 hours to send e-mails, hop on the phone, etc. Your can put that on the calendar.
But "packing the house" probably requires at least a full work week. If you're still working a day job, you have to break that into junks and plan accordingly.
Going 1099 is a big project, but you can break it down into discrete activities that you can schedule and execute.
Networking -> identifying contacts, sending e-mails -> schedule 30 minutes every morning to do one of these tasks.
Converting job to 1099 -> assess value to your employer/client, research billable rates, script e-mail to boss -> schedule 1-2 hours every week to do each of those things.
If you easily get overwhelmed with big projects, try implementing your own WBS and see how far it gets you.
Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.