Vanya Wryter Consulting Services

Category: Entrepreneurship

  • When do you feel most productive?

    When do you feel most productive?

    When do you feel most productive? I find most people have a straightforward answer, like “morning” or “night,” but for me, the answer is, “it depends.” For me, productivity depends entirely on the type of work I’m doing, whether it’s creative work, routine office work, or routine housework. (I’m unpredictable.)

    Mornings are best for my structured, routine tasks like meetings, email, and office work. It’s not all that exciting but it’s predictable, and I like getting those tasks all done earlier in the day. Same with housework for some reason. If I finish dusting the room and I get to see how clean it is in the sunlight, there’s a wonderful feeling of accomplishment that gets me through the rest of the day. 

    Evenings are when my night owl personality comes out. That’s when creativity kicks in. Writing, brainstorming, and deeper thinking crawl out of the shadows and into the moonlight. My mind is free to wander and that’s often when the best ideas are born.

    This contrast is exactly why having flexibility in your schedule is important. Having control over your time or running your own business allows you to align your work with your natural body rhythms. Instead of fighting against your energy levels, you can work in sync with them.

    A strict 9-to-5 schedule can make this balance harder to achieve, and not everyone can have the luxury of deciding their schedule! I remember when I used to work a 9-to-5 and one time I was so sleepy that I forced myself to stay awake and type. I fell out of my chair, which jolted me awake – and this is my reasoning for a flexible schedule!

    Understanding when you work best—and adjusting accordingly—is the best way to handle productivity. You’re not fighting your body or doing embarrassing things like falling asleep at the keyboard. 

    Daily writing prompt
    When do you feel most productive?
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  • What You Learn in High School: Looking Back as an Adult

    What You Learn in High School: Looking Back as an Adult

    High school is a phase for learning general knowledge – but it sure doesn’t always teach you what you actually need to survive life. 

    My biggest protest is how we spend years learning how to write formal essays to prep you for college. Then you graduate college, and pretty much everyone I know hasn’t written an essay since then. Starting from your first job, you’re writing emails, reports, Slack messages, or PowerPoint presentations. There is a major disconnect between what we learn to do and what we actually have to do when we get a job. Of course, it’s a relief that you’ll be done with essays at some point if you really hate them.

    We also study a wide range of subjects in high school, such as science, math, and history. Some topics were more interesting than others. One example is chemical elements. It’s handy to know what you should and shouldn’t combine if you don’t want to create an explosion. But I’ve forgotten how to create a parabolic curve, despite dedicating two weeks of my life to learning the math behind it. 

    In hindsight, if there’s one thing that should have been taught to everyone, it’s business. Not because everyone will want to be self-employed, but because business teaches valuable skills: leadership, communication, resilience, budgeting, and how to present and “sell” your ideas. These are skills you use whether you’re running a company or working a 9-to-5 job.So what I learned about high school was that you learn a lot of generalist knowledge that is (mostly) not applicable to your adult life. Also, at that young age, you don’t know what you really need. A lasting example is learning to bake cookies in cooking class. Since then, I’ve learned that I’d rather buy than bake them.

    Daily writing prompt
    Describe something you learned in high school.
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  • Work Smarter, Not Harder: Best Piece of Advice Ever Received

    Work Smarter, Not Harder: Best Piece of Advice Ever Received

    It took a while for the well-known phrase “work smarter, not harder” to sink into my brain years after I’d first heard it. I get it now: the words are about focusing on efficiency and getting better results without burning out. But when I was younger, I used to think that working longer hours and keeping very busy would yield better results. That was really stupid because it was a recipe for burnout. Yet that’s what we’re taught in school. 

    They say, get good grades, then get a job working 40 hours a week so you can retire at 65 is the ideal formula for success in life. But when I started to study business, I started to hear “work smarter, not harder” and identify the few actions that create the greatest impact. This principle is the 80/20 rule: 80% of results often come from 20% of effort. It’s not saying “be lazy.” It’s saying to use your time wisely.

    Technology also plays a vital role. Automation tools, project management apps, and AI assistants reduce repetitive work, freeing up time for higher-value thinking (and eating and watching TV so you’re not burned out). Rather than slogging through routine tasks, you can dedicate energy to problem-solving, creativity, and decision-making.

    Another key element is leveraging strengths. Working smarter doesn’t mean avoiding hard work altogether. It means putting your effort where your skills shine brightest. (Like spending more time on your favorite subjects when you were in school. Now that’s fun!) 

    In the end, working smarter is about asking: Is this task worth my time? Is there an easier, faster, or better way? The goal isn’t to avoid effort, but to maximize it. Then you achieve more in less time with far less stress!

    Daily writing prompt
    What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
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  • A Lesson I Wish I Had Learned Earlier in Life

    A Lesson I Wish I Had Learned Earlier in Life

    If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: start a side business early. For years, I believed the traditional career path was the right one—get a job, work hard, climb the career ladder. But economies shift, industries change, and jobs disappear, so stability is not guaranteed.

    What I didn’t realize at the time is that having a side business isn’t just about making extra money. When you run even the smallest business on the side—whether it’s freelancing, selling a product, or offering a service—you create an additional financial safety net. No matter what the economic climate or job market looks like, you have something of your own to fall back on.

    Beyond financial security, a side business teaches you a valuable set of skills that you might not get from having a job. You learn how to market yourself, manage finances, solve problems creatively, and build relationships with customers. These skills are transferable to every aspect of life, including your main career.

    And here’s something else I wish I had realized sooner: a successful side business can completely change your retirement timeline. Instead of waiting until your 60s to step away from work, the income and flexibility from a thriving business can open the door to financial freedom much earlier. You’re no longer tied to the traditional path of “work until retirement age.” You gain the freedom to choose when and how you work.

    So, if I could turn back the clock, the lesson I would impart to my younger self would be to start a side business as soon as possible.

    Daily writing prompt
    Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.
    View all responses

  • How to Overcome Layoff Fears and Recession-Proof Your Career in 2025

    How to Overcome Layoff Fears and Recession-Proof Your Career in 2025

    In today’s unpredictable economy, fear of layoffs is at an all-time high. With rising inflation, a shaky job market, and rapid advancements in technology, many professionals like myself are wondering how to stay relevant and financially secure. Here are some tips on how you can overcome those fears and build more security in your financial future.

    1. Diversify Your Income with the Gig Economy

    One of the best ways to recession-proof your career is by participating in the gig economy. This flexible job market allows you to earn money independently by offering freelance or part-time services. Popular gig economy jobs include freelance writing, virtual assistance, rideshare driving, tutoring, and more. I’ve tried a few of these and they are worth it in providing you with alternate forms of income if you fear becoming a statistic in the round of company layoffs.

    2. Learn a High-Income Skill That’s in Demand

    Focus on acquiring high-income skills that employers are actively seeking. The healthcare industry continues to grow, with demand for roles like medical billing specialists, health tech consultants, and telehealth support professionals.

    Alternatively, explore tech-related skills such as digital marketing, data analysis, or automation tools. These skills are not only in demand but also adaptable to remote or freelance work. 

    3. Embrace AI Instead of Fearing It

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how we work—but it doesn’t have to be a threat. Learn how to use tools like ChatGPT, Notion AI, or Claude to increase your productivity and job security. Understanding AI gives you an edge in any industry. In the past year, I’ve been learning a lot about technology and new software to keep up-to-date on latest trends. 

    I think the best way to overcome a fear is to learn everything you can about what you fear.

    4. Build Financial Literacy to Stay Prepared

    The more you understand about your money, the less fear you’ll feel during uncertain times. Learn how to budget, invest, and manage credit. Building a solid financial foundation gives you the power to pivot, save, and invest wisely—especially during an economic downturn. We all fear that our money will not have the power to buy what we need to survive. Staying on top of financial news and getting the best advice you can on your financial situation is important.

    Take Control of Your Future Today

    Fear of a recession and layoffs is real—but it doesn’t have to control your life. Start building multiple income streams, sharpen your skills, embrace new technology, and get smart with your money. These are the steps that turn uncertainty into opportunity.

    You don’t need to have all the answers right now. You just need to take the first step.