An Extra Hour, a Better Life: What Service Providers Really Wish They Had Time For

Reclaim Your Time and Focus on What You Love: What Service Providers Would Do With an Extra Hour a Day

“No one on their deathbed ever said, ‘I wish I’d spent more time at the office.’” This old adage rings true, yet for solo service providers and small business owners, finding free time can feel like chasing a mirage. Since the 1980s, the term “work-life balance” has been a familiar refrain – a reaction to overwork and the desire to spend time on life’s meaningful pursuits. Fast forward to 2025, and the struggle continues globally, from Austria to China. We asked: if you could reclaim an extra hour each day, how would you spend it? The answers reveal striking common dreams – and a few surprises – across different countries, ages, professions, and genders.

The Time Crunch Reality (and a Glimpse of Hope)

For many entrepreneurs and freelancers, time is the most precious commodity. They work long hours (often 50+ hours a week) and sacrifice personal time – missing family dinners, workouts, or just a good book. In one survey, 40% of small business owners admitted to having little social life, 28% worked “long hours,” and 22% even neglected their health due to business demands. No wonder half believe work-life balance is an “illusion” for business owners. Yet, the dream of “time freedom” is why many went solo in the first place: 61% of freelancers say they enjoy more free time now than in a corporate job. The contradiction is real – you crave freedom, but your hustle eats up your hours with admin, emails, and endless to-dos.

What we've actually been doing with our extra free time (UK, 2020): Reading (26%), TV/Movies (24%), Listening to music (22%), Sleeping (21%), Household chores (21%), Cooking (20%), Spending time with pets (20%), Spending more time with family/friends (20%), Home workouts (18%), Gardening (19%). Surveys during COVID-19 revealed that when given just a bit of extra time (like an hour saved from commuting), people eagerly embraced personal activities they normally struggle to fit in. But beyond these everyday pastimes, what meaningful pursuits do service pros wish they could spend more time on?

Even a small taste of free time highlights what we value. In the UK’s 2020 lockdown, many used the reclaimed hour from no commute to read (26%), try new recipes (20%), get active (18% doing home workouts, 16% running) or grab a much-needed nap (21%). Notably, only 3% admitted to “wasting” the extra time – proving that when we do get free time, we try to make it count. So what do time-strapped solopreneurs most wish they could do? Let’s dive into the top aspirations they shared, and how these vary around the world and across generations.

Top Aspirations for an “Extra Hour” – Family, Travel, and Personal Passions

When asked directly “What would you do with more free time?” solo service providers’ answers overwhelmingly gravitate to meaningful, fulfilling activities – not just mindless entertainment. A few clear favorites emerged:

• Quality Time with Family & Friends – The number one wish nearly everywhere. In an Australian survey, 40% of small business owners said they’d spend extra time with friends and family, making it the most popular choice by far. This trend holds globally: connecting with loved ones ranks among the top 3 leisure activities for all age groups in a 60-country Nielsen survey. Whether it’s parents in Austria, young entrepreneurs in the USA, or self-employed professionals in China, “more family time” is the common refrain. One business owner put it simply: “I would love to spend more time with my family and friends” – a sentiment echoed by many.

• Vacation & Travel – A close second on the wish list is taking a real break. About 1 in 5 owners (19%) would spend extra time on a holiday or vacation. After years of forgoing trips (indeed, 22% of business owners took no time off in the past year), the longing to get away and explore runs deep. What’s interesting is that the desire to travel actually increases with age – in one global survey, 25% of people over 65 picked travel as a top spare-time activity, versus only 12% of Gen Z youth. Service providers in their 50s and 60s often dream of those bucket-list trips they postponed. And it’s usually not solo travel they envision – 81% of people globally prefer family-centric travel destinations, wanting trips that involve their partners, kids, or even grandkids. Clearly, travel and family time often go hand-in-hand in our aspirations (think Disneyland with the kids, or a long-awaited trip home to see grandparents).

• Hobbies, Passions & Personal Development – The third major category involves personal passions: hobbies, creative pursuits, or self-improvement. About 12% of small biz owners said they’d use extra time to pursue a hobby – whether that’s playing guitar, gardening, painting, or re-learning the piano they haven’t touched since youth. “I would use the time to re-learn playing the piano,” one entrepreneur in a forum mused, recalling a beloved hobby put on hold. Others mention fitness or wellness activities (hitting the gym, doing yoga, going for a hike) as cherished “me-time” uses. For instance, during the pandemic, 18% of Brits channeled spare time into home workouts and many got into gardening (19%). Learning and self-improvement also crop up: some would take a course, read more (reading is a surprisingly top choice across all ages, even among Gen Z), or attend workshops to sharpen their skills. In fact, one business owner admitted that although golf and family time sounded nice, “if I did find an extra hour... I would most likely try to better develop myself and my business”, for example by networking and learning from other entrepreneurs. This shows that personal growth – be it professional or purely for pleasure – is a meaningful goal when time allows.

• Health & Self-Care – It’s not as “glamorous” as travel, but rest and self-care are highly sought after (even if people don’t always say it first!). When pressed, a lot of hardworking providers would simply sleep or relax if given an extra hour. A Canadian poll found 50% of people would use an extra hour just to catch up on sleep – a testament to how exhausted everyone is. Entrepreneurs often fantasize about something as basic as taking a guilt-free break. “On the weekend I would stay in bed for the extra hour and not feel guilty about wasting the morning,” one founder confessed. Similarly, in the beauty industry, 47% of hair professionals admit they do not prioritize their own self-care, and 38% even feel guilty for taking time off. For many, the most aspirational thing is to finally relax without guilt – whether that means sleeping in, enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee, meditating, or taking a long bath. The emotional recharge from such downtime can be huge (more on that later).

• Giving Back & Community – Fewer respondents mentioned it spontaneously, but some did express a wish to volunteer or mentor if they had more time. For example, one entrepreneur said he’d spend it helping fellow entrepreneurs discover the outdoors as a way to refresh themselves. Others might coach youth sports, contribute to community projects, or generally “give back” in ways they currently can’t. (Notably, volunteering often ranks low when people are asked about extra time – only 1% of Canadians chose it over sleep – but once basic needs are met, the desire to find purpose beyond oneself can emerge.)

Of course, individual answers vary. But broadly, service providers most commonly wish for: 1) more time with loved ones, 2) time to travel or take breaks, 3) time for hobbies/personal interests, 4) time for health and rest, and occasionally 5) time to give back or pursue passion projects. These are the things that make life rich and satisfying – the reasons many of us “focus on what you love” once work is under control.

It’s telling that almost no one says “I’d watch more TV” or “I’d work even more hours” as their top choice. (In fact, only 1% of business owners in the Aussie survey said they’d invest extra time in their business growth – and that came after family, holiday, and hobby.) So, despite being go-getters, most service pros would choose life over work if given the gift of time.

By the Numbers – A Snapshot

To summarize the top 5 activities coveted by solo service providers with an “extra hour a day”, surveys and anecdotes consistently highlight:

1. Family & Friends time – (Top choice in most surveys; e.g. 40% chose this)
2. Travel/Vacation – (2nd place; ~19% chose holiday; especially popular with 45+ age group)
3. Hobbies/Personal Projects – (3rd place; ~12% chose hobby; includes creative arts, sports, etc.)
4. Relaxation/Self-Care – (Common unspoken priority; e.g. sleep, exercise, me-time; 21% napping in one sample)
5. Learning/Personal Growth – (Taking courses, reading, networking; mentioned by many entrepreneurs qualitatively)

(Note: Percentages from OnDeck/YouGov survey of 300 small business owners. Other sources corroborate similar rankings.)

Now, let’s explore how these wishes differ (or unite us) across various countries, age groups, professions, and genders – and what surprising trends emerge.

Across Regions and Ages: Surprising Trends in Time Aspirations

It turns out that regardless of region, certain themes are universal (family time is cherished everywhere), but there are some intriguing nuances:

• Europe: Europeans generally report being fairly satisfied with their leisure time on average (scoring ~6.8/10 in EU surveys), possibly due to a culture that values vacations and shorter workweeks than some other regions. Yet even in Europe, those in their “rush hour” of life (ages 25–54) struggle – especially women juggling businesses and family. Over one in five Europeans who don’t read books cite lack of time as the main reason, and this was most pronounced among women 25–54 (far more than men of any age). This highlights a subtle gender trend: mid-career women often sacrifice personal hobbies (like reading) due to time constraints, meaning if they found an extra hour, many would likely devote it to “me time” pursuits they miss. Men in the same age bracket, on the other hand, are slightly more likely to be taking that downtime already (or not identifying its absence as much). Despite these pressures, Europeans of all ages still uphold travel and family as key ideals – even retirees (65+) list “spending time with family” and gardening among their top spare-time activities.

• North America (USA & Canada): Work culture in the U.S. and Canada has historically glamorized being busy, but there’s a growing pushback. Surveys in the U.S. echo the family-first mantra – for example, 70% of American parents wish they had more time to connect with their kids. Vacations are a sore point: more than 40% of U.S. small business owners say they don’t take vacations at all, yet in their heart of hearts many yearn to travel. In 2022, family travel demand surged, with 85% of American parents planning to travel with their children in the next year – perhaps making up for lost time. So while they may skip vacations in reality, the aspiration to get away (with family in tow) is very strong in North America. Hobbies and self-improvement are also popular – the stereotypical image of the American entrepreneur reading self-help books at 5am or training for a marathon isn’t far off. In one forum, when entrepreneurs were asked about free time, answers ranged from “gym, travel, hiking, reading, friends & family, beer” – notably, “usually no social media”, as one commenter quipped, “if I’m not working, I’m relaxing.” This captures the North American vibe: work hard, but play hard (or chill hard) when you can.

• German-speaking Europe (Germany/Austria): Culturally, Germany and Austria value “Feierabend” – that is, unplugging after work – but their meticulous work ethic often means small business owners still end up overworked. Interestingly, a survey by QuickBooks found that after switching to self-employment, 55% of people said they had more time for family and 50% more time for themselves. This suggests many German/Austrian freelancers actively re-prioritized life outside work. However, they also reported mixed results on things like sports or vacations (some had more time, others less) – indicating that how one spends free time is a matter of prioritization. Anecdotally, German and Austrian solo providers often mention “Zeit für mich” (time for me) as a precious commodity. They might use an extra hour to take a nature walk (these countries have strong outdoor and fitness cultures), or simply enjoy a guilt-free Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake) break in the afternoon with family. Work-life boundaries are a bit stronger here than, say, the U.S., so the surprise is that many self-employed Germans actually work less than before and enjoy more family time – flipping the script that entrepreneurship = more work. Their challenge is ensuring that vacations and sports also get prioritized, not just working fewer hours.

• UK & EU vs. USA: One trend is Europeans tend to use extra time for leisure, whereas Americans often feel compelled to use it “productively.” For example, Brits during WFH used extra time for things like reading, cooking, or cycling, and a bit less for additional work (though 51% did end up working more). Americans, when polled, often mention side hustles or learning new skills as how they’d use extra time (the hustle culture influence). That said, both sides of the pond ultimately express wishing for balance. A surprising finding across many surveys is how younger people are using their free time: Gen Z and Millennials might actually be less about partying and more about personal growth than older generations assume. In Nielsen’s global study, Gen Z (ages ~15–20) picked reading as a top spare-time activity, even ahead of social media or gaming, and Millennials (21–34) listed music and connecting with friends/family over other options. Meanwhile, Baby Boomers and Gen X prioritized TV and travel. This flips the expectation – younger entrepreneurs may surprisingly crave old-fashioned pursuits like reading or learning, while older ones are itching to travel or socialize more.

• China and East Asia: In China, the grind of the corporate “996” culture (9am–9pm, 6 days a week) has made time freedom a new status symbol. Many Chinese entrepreneurs cite control over their time as a key motivator for starting a business. Research actually shows that in China, becoming self-employed often increases satisfaction with work-life balance more than it does in Western countries like Sweden. This implies that Chinese entrepreneurs, by escaping rigid corporate hours, feel a big improvement – possibly using flexible time for family dinners or personal pursuits they’d otherwise miss. Family is extremely important culturally; one might expect “spend time with parents/children” to be even more dominant in a Chinese survey (perhaps visiting parents more often, given the tradition of filial piety). Unfortunately, specific survey data in China is scarce, but stories from Chinese small business owners often mention wanting time to care for both their aging parents and young children – the “sandwich generation” pressures are significant. Also, personal development is highly valued (e.g. learning English, mastering new tech) so extra time might be used for education. While Western owners dream of unplugging completely, Chinese owners might be more likely to fold in constructive activities with their leisure (a cultural emphasis on not “wasting” time). Still, the fundamental desires – family, health, and pursuing one’s interests – are much the same. A fun anecdote: one Chinese tech founder publicly took up bouldering (rock climbing) as a hobby to force himself away from his screen and relieve stress – an example of choosing a vigorous hobby to create mental space.

• Global Similarities: Across all regions, a few surprises cut through stereotypes: Young professionals care about mental wellness and learning (not just Instagram scrolling), and older folks still seek adventure and new experiences (not just sitting in rocking chairs!). Also, women vs. men differences, while present, are not as drastic in aspirations. Both men and women say family time is top priority. There are some subtle differences: for instance, in that UK study of extra hour use, twice as many men (22%) as women (11%) spent the time running or exercising – suggesting men might channel free time into physical activity more, whereas women might choose other hobbies or socializing. Women business owners often speak of wanting time for themselves without feeling selfish, whereas men might more freely take a bike ride or hit the golf course. But these are general tendencies. By and large, the emotional yearning for freedom cuts across gender – everyone has their “thing” that lights them up, whether it’s running a 10K or baking cupcakes, and they just need the time to do it.

In summary, whether you’re a personal trainer in Canada, a hair stylist in Germany, a tutor in the UK, or a startup founder in China, the human desires behind an extra hour are remarkably alike. We want to strengthen our relationships, explore the world, express ourselves, take care of our health, and simply breathe. The differences lie mostly in which of these we emphasize at different life stages or cultural contexts. And sometimes the surprises are heartwarming – like Gen Z reviving the love of books, or seasoned entrepreneurs picking up youthful hobbies.

From Burnout to Bright Ideas: Why Reclaiming Time Matters (Motivation, Energy & Creativity)

Beyond just “it would be nice,” having time for what you love has concrete benefits on one’s motivation, energy levels, creativity, and burnout prevention. Service providers often discover that reclaiming even a little free time makes them better at their work – more energized, creative, and resilient. Here’s how:

• Burnout Prevention & Well-Being: In 2019, the World Health Organization officially classified burnout as an occupational phenomenon, and chronic overwork is a key cause. Small business owners are especially at risk if they never unplug. Studies have found that those who delegate and take breaks see improved business performance and personal health. In the beauty industry, there’s been a shift from “hustle culture” to “balance culture”: 75% of hair professionals now say the hustle mentality is toxic, and a solid majority are taking steps to work less and rest more. As a result, 66% say they finally feel like they can disconnect from work, and 59% are scheduling enough time off (weekends, vacations, even daily lunch breaks). This is a dramatic change from past years and correlates with reduced burnout. The emotional relief of not being “on” 24/7 is enormous – respondents report feeling happier and less anxious when they set boundaries. Reclaiming time is literally giving them their life back. As one stylist insightfully noted, “If you work less, you don’t need [as much] money to be happy!” – meaning at a certain point, time > money for well-being. The takeaway: Time to rest and recharge isn’t a luxury; it’s vital for mental health. It replenishes your energy, so you don’t pour from an empty cup.

• Motivation & Energy: Ever notice how you feel after a real day off? Typically, motivation skyrockets because you’ve reminded yourself what you’re working for. When you spend a weekend hiking with your kids or finally writing that chapter of your novel, you return to your business with a renewed sense of purpose and vigor. On the flip side, a lack of downtime can sap motivation – the work starts to feel like drudgery because there’s no reward in sight. Many entrepreneurs say that taking a proper vacation or even a short digital detox dramatically improved their focus. For example, business owners who became “expert delegators” (outsourcing tasks to free time) were not only less stressed but also saw healthier revenue growth. That’s no coincidence – handing off some work allowed them to recharge and then tackle high-level goals with fresh energy. Physically, more sleep and exercise (common uses of free time) will boost your stamina and prevent that mid-afternoon crash. One might fear that time off = falling behind, but research and anecdotes show the opposite: time off often = leap forward in motivation and productivity once back at work.

• Creativity & Big-Picture Thinking: It’s practically a cliché, but it’s true – our best ideas often come in the shower, on a walk, or while daydreaming, not when we’re grinding in front of a screen for the 10th hour straight. Having unstructured time lets your mind wander and make new connections. One entrepreneur beautifully described how stepping away into nature sparks creativity: “Being outside, alone, away from distractions... encourages your mind to wander. Instead of looking down at your phone, you look up. Before long, you free your mind from the daily grind, and by some quirk of evolution, new thoughts trickle in revealing ideas and solutions that weren’t there before.”. He even suggests taking a notebook on your nature walk because you’ll inevitably have a eureka moment out there! Many service providers find that when they finally take that art class or spend an afternoon cooking for fun, they return to their work brimming with creative ideas and renewed passion. It might be a novel marketing idea that hits you while painting, or a solution to a client problem that surfaces during a long bike ride. Essentially, free time = creative incubation. It gives your brain space to play, which is when innovation happens. Companies in creative industries have long known this (Google’s famous “20% time” for personal projects led to Gmail’s creation, for example). For a solo business owner, giving yourself permission to have an hour a day for non-work could be the secret sauce that leads to your next big breakthrough or simply a better way of doing things. As the saying goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” and likewise, you can’t create brilliant work with a burned-out brain.

• Renewed Passion & Joy: Perhaps most importantly, reclaiming time for what you love reminds you why you embarked on your venture. It reconnects you with your passions. A life coach who spends all day helping clients might rediscover her love of writing poetry in her free hour, which in turn makes her more empathetic and joyful with her clients. A fitness trainer who finally gets to work out for his own pleasure (instead of just training others) reconnects with the joy of movement that inspired his career. These emotional benefits are hard to quantify but incredibly powerful. Service providers often report that after carving out personal time, they feel more “themselves” – which translates to more authenticity and energy in their work. It also reduces resentment; instead of feeling like the business is a ball-and-chain, you start to experience it as one part of a fulfilling life, not the whole. This shift can reignite motivation on tough days. Essentially, free time grants perspective: you can step back and appreciate both work and life more. Burnout, conversely, narrows our vision and drains meaning from work. That extra hour for “what you love” infuses your day with positivity that carries over.

• Stronger Relationships = Support System: Spending time with family and friends doesn’t only make one personally happy, it also strengthens your support network. For solo entrepreneurs, having the strong backing of loved ones is crucial. By investing time in your relationships (dinner with your partner, attending your child’s soccer game, catching up with a friend), you nurture the people who cheer you on. That emotional support can dramatically boost your resilience and motivation in business. Entrepreneurs in one study noted that family support was linked to better leadership behavior and wellbeing. It’s a virtuous cycle: time with loved ones makes you happier and more energized at work; doing well at work gives you more freedom to spend time with loved ones. On the flip side, many entrepreneurs regret missing those moments – a poignant quote from a Reddit thread advised, “Your kids won’t remember the client you landed, they’ll remember that you weren’t at their play. They will wish they had more time with you, so make the time you do have meaningful.” That emotional context is what truly keeps burnout at bay – knowing you’re not sacrificing what matters most.

In short, reclaiming time isn’t indulgence – it’s investment. An investment in your health, creativity, relationships, and long-term success. It leads to more energy, fresh motivation each day, and lower risk of crashing and burning. As one business coach put it: “Whether your personal vision of success includes increased profits, a wider sphere of influence, or simply more time with family and friends, better time management will help you reach your goals.”. In other words, reclaiming that hour can make all the hours that follow more effective and joyous.

From Hustle to Harmony: Differences by Occupation

Solo service providers aren’t a monolith – a fitness coach’s day looks very different from a freelance graphic designer’s. Do their free-time desires differ? Generally, the core wishes (family, etc.) hold, but each profession has its nuances and pain points driving their aspirations:

• Fitness & Wellness Professionals: Ironically, those who teach wellness often struggle with their own work-life balance. Personal trainers, yoga instructors, therapists – they spend long hours catering to clients (often at clients’ preferred times like early mornings or evenings), leaving odd midday gaps and exhaustion at day’s end. Many crave normalcy in their schedule. A personal trainer may dream of having evenings free to dine with family, or using an extra hour in the morning for their own workout or mindfulness practice (since they’re busy guiding others through theirs). The emotional toll of always giving energy can be high, so wellness pros often say they’d use more time to restore themselves – be it catching up on sleep, taking a long walk in nature, or getting a massage (when you spend all day fixing others’ knots, you accumulate your own!). For example, personal trainers report that success in balance comes from setting boundaries – some now refuse 5 AM clients to reclaim their mornings, using that time for a calming routine and breakfast with family. The surprising thing here: clients might assume their trainer is super fit and zen, but many trainers just wish for time to do exactly what they preach – exercise, meditate, meal-prep – for themselves. Give them an extra hour, and many would joyfully hit the gym for fun (or simply rest those constantly active muscles).

• Beauty & Grooming Providers (Hair stylists, Estheticians, Barbers): This group often works on their feet all day, with full appointment books and little downtime (and usually weekends are the busiest!). The recent “balance culture” movement among stylists shows a strong desire to break the burnout cycle. If you ask a salon owner what she’d do with more free time, she might say: “Spend it with my kids – I miss so many of their Saturdays because I’m at the salon.” Indeed, evenings and weekends with family are a huge wish for beauty providers, since their industry often robs them of those “normal” social hours. Additionally, because they are creative souls, many hairstylists and makeup artists would love time to experiment and train in new techniques, or attend workshops/shows – essentially creative development – but feel too booked to do so. An extra hour could be spent playing with a new hair color formula on a wig stand, or practicing nail art designs, which both improves their craft and brings them joy. And let’s not forget self-care: shockingly, 47% of hair pros admit they neglect their own self-care. We heard how 38% feel guilty taking time off, yet now more are realizing they need it. Many say they’d simply rest – prop up their feet, maybe sip a cup of tea (or as in a playful image we found, hold a pair of shears in one hand and a whiskey in the other, symbolizing work and play. They know that coming back refreshed makes them more present for clients. So, the hair/beauty field is moving from “no days off” to “no guilt in taking a day off.” Extra time = a chance to finally book their own salon/spa appointments or take that art class they’ve wanted. As one stylist told her peers: “I’m trying to be happy. If you work less, you don’t need the money to be happy!” – meaning she realized chasing more clients wasn’t worth losing life’s simple pleasures.

• Coaches, Consultants & Educators: People in teaching or coaching roles (tutors, business coaches, life coaches, music teachers, etc.) often have a profound love of learning and personal growth – that’s how they got into guiding others. Paradoxically, when their schedule is full, their own learning gets neglected. A tutor spending evenings helping students prep for exams might have no time to read the novel on her nightstand or study a new language. A business coach busy with clients might be falling behind on industry trends because he can’t attend conferences or do deep research. So, many in this category say they’d use extra time for “sharpening the saw.” For instance, 59% of business owners (many who act as coaches or leaders) in one survey wished to spend more time improving their own skills. A life coach might take an hour to watch webinars or get a certification she’s interested in; an educator might work on a passion project (like writing a book or creating their own curriculum). Moreover, coaches are empathetic types – some might volunteer more (maybe mentor a young entrepreneur for free) if they had spare time, since coaching is their passion. On the personal side, coaches/educators often have families too, so the family time priority remains strong. But uniquely, this group finds intellectual pursuits and reflection very rewarding. Don’t be surprised if a tutor says, “I’d spend an extra hour a day reading up on neuroscience” (true story from a dedicated teacher who wanted to understand how the teenage brain learns). It may sound like more “work,” but for them it’s invigorating. They want time to remain a student as well as a teacher. Lastly, this group tends to form communities – e.g. a yoga teacher might want time to attend another teacher’s class or a meetup. So free time can also mean connecting with peers for support and inspiration.

• Creative Freelancers (Designers, Writers, Photographers, Artists): Ask a creative what they yearn for, and likely they’ll sigh: “Time for my personal projects.” Creatives often enter their field from a love of art, but client work and business admin leave little room for art for art’s sake. A freelance writer who spends all day on client blogs might be too drained to work on her novel at night. A photographer might rarely sort his own travel photos because he’s busy editing client shoots. An extra hour a day can be a game-changer for this group’s fulfillment. Many would dive into passion projects – writing that book, coding an indie game, painting a canvas, composing music, or simply experimenting without a brief. This not only feeds their soul but can boost their career (many great businesses spawn from side projects). In a Forbes feature, startup founders (very much creative thinkers) listed what they do for leisure: answers ranged from daily meditation to bouldering to studying psychology to traveling extensively – all pursuits that expand their mind and creativity. Another thing creatives seek is inspiration: free time might be used to go to museums, watch films, be in nature (photographers especially benefit from wandering with a camera for fun). All of that fills the creative well. Additionally, because creative work can be isolating, some would use free time to socialize and fight that isolation – attending a gallery opening or simply having coffee with friends (after all, conversations can spark ideas too!). A common surprising trend: many creatives actually crave routine and self-care as much as free-spirited activity. They know burnout dulls their creativity, so that extra hour might go to sleeping properly or exercising (Charles, a graphic designer friend, swears his best design ideas come during his 30-minute jogs – so he protects that time fiercely). In essence, creatives see time as the canvas on which they can (finally) paint their own vision, not just the client’s. The emotional payoff of that is huge – it reminds them why they became independent and rekindles their artistic passion, which inevitably benefits their clients too.

• Hybrid/Multi-Role Providers: Many small business owners wear multiple hats – the fitness coach who is also building an online course, or the photographer who runs a small Etsy store. For these folks, time is even more fragmented. They often dream about simplifying and focusing. An extra hour could allow them to allocate distinct time to each role so they don’t feel so scattered. For instance, a wellness coach who also podcasts might use an extra hour to script her next episode uninterrupted. The key desire here is breathing room – not constantly context-switching. They value any time that allows deep focus on one thing at a time (which paradoxically feels relaxing compared to juggling).

Across all occupations, one emotional theme stands out: guilt vs. permission. Service providers often struggle with guilt when they take time for themselves – “I could be booking another client or doing admin, but here I am taking a walk.” However, when they finally do reclaim that time, they realize it’s not selfish but essential. They return happier, deliver better service, and sometimes even make more money because they’ve prevented burnout. This mental shift – from a hustle mentality to a sustainable success mentality – is happening in many industries now (we saw it with hair stylists, and similarly in startup culture there’s more talk of balance).

Karl Konnekt’s philosophy aligns exactly with this evolution: it’s about working smarter, not harder, so you can enjoy life more. Let’s look at how you can reclaim your time and focus on what truly lights you up.

Reclaiming Your Time with a Little Help (How Karl Konnekt Helps)

By now it’s clear: an extra hour a day can make a world of difference – from strengthening family bonds to sparking creative genius. But how do you actually get that hour, when you’re drowning in emails, scheduling, paperwork, and the day-to-day running of your service business? The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. This is where smart tools and strategies come in – and where Karl Konnekt and Jaydaptif Solutions are committed to helping you “make time for what matters.”

First, identify those time-sinks that steal your hours without adding value. (We all have them – the administrative tasks that take up ~47% of a business owner’s time, according to one survey!). It might be manually scheduling appointments, chasing invoices, responding to every inquiry personally, posting on five social media platforms, or updating spreadsheets. Necessary? Perhaps. But do you have to do all of that? Probably not. As the OnDeck survey noted, “Small business owners want to spend more time with the people they care about, but administration eats into that time significantly.”. It’s exactly these kinds of tasks that Karl Konnekt was designed to alleviate.

Karl Konnekt is all about connecting the dots and automating routine work for solo service providers. Think of it as your friendly digital assistant that never sleeps. For example:

• Instead of you juggling phone calls and emails to book client appointments, Karl Konnekt’s smart scheduling system can handle bookings 24/7. No more back-and-forth – clients see your availability and book themselves. You just get a neat calendar update. Boom, you’ve saved countless minutes (if not hours) each day, and your clients get instant service. (Hello, reclaimed hour!)

• Are you spending evenings sending follow-up messages or appointment reminders? That’s important (no-shows are a nightmare), but you shouldn’t be doing it manually. Automated reminders and follow-ups can be sent through the platform without you lifting a finger – reducing no-shows and freeing your evening. One less thing on your mind when you finally sit down with your family for dinner.

• If marketing and social media eat your time, Karl Konnekt/Jaydaptif can help streamline that too. From templates for quick posts to scheduled content, you can maintain an online presence without living online. Many providers procrastinate marketing because it’s time-consuming – but then they worry about not doing it. By making it easier and quicker, you can check it off and maybe use that freed-up time to, say, hit the gym or read a chapter of that book. (Remember, 73% of owners said they’d prefer to spend time on strategic work or things that grow their business, not on tedious tasks – so let’s automate the tedious stuff so you can be strategic or simply log off!)

• Centralizing admin: Often, time is lost simply switching between tools – invoicing software here, email there, client notes in another app. An integrated solution like Karl Konnekt brings many functions into one dashboard. For instance, after a session you can log client notes or bill them in the same system that handles your scheduling. No duplicate data entry. Efficiency = time saved.

• Delegation and collaboration: Maybe you’re not at a stage to hire staff, but you can effectively “delegate” to technology. Karl Konnekt acts like a team member handling the repetitive stuff. And if you do have a small team or contractor (say a virtual assistant), the platform makes it easy to collaborate by sharing calendars, client info (securely), and tasks, so nothing falls solely on you. As that Time Etc survey showed, “expert delegators” (people who hand off tasks) had better growth and were more likely to take vacations. We want you to be an expert delegator – even if it’s delegating to an app or an algorithm! The result? You focus on your genius zone, and reclaim the rest.

The emotional payoff of freeing up time cannot be overstated. Imagine knowing that your Saturday is truly yours because your admin for the week was wrapped up efficiently by Friday afternoon. You could plan a hiking trip, attend your friend’s birthday, or just chill guilt-free. Our aim at Karl Konnekt is not just to save you time, but to relieve that mental load and stress. Instead of lying in bed thinking “Did I confirm that appointment? Did I send that follow-up?”, you can rest easy – it’s handled. That peace of mind translates to real quality of life.

We built Karl Konnekt guided by the very insights we’ve discussed in this article. We know you’re not looking to loaf around – you’re looking to spend time on meaningful, fulfilling things, whether that’s growing your business strategically or finally making it home in time to read your child a bedtime story. Every feature is meant to support the motto: “Reclaim Your Time and Focus on What You Love.” Jaydaptif Solutions, the force behind Karl Konnekt, was started by people who have been in your shoes – juggling clients and personal life – and who said enough to the grind that consumes the joy from our work.

So, as you consider the top findings we explored – family, travel, hobbies, rest – ask yourself, “Which of these do I miss the most?” and “What small steps can I take to get closer to that?” Maybe it’s adopting a new tool, maybe it’s saying no to certain low-value tasks, maybe it’s carving out a set “free hour” on your calendar as non-negotiable. Even before adopting any solution, a quick tip: schedule your extra hour. Literally block it in your calendar like an appointment (“Personal time” from 7–8am, or whatever works). Treat it with the same respect as you would a client meeting. Over time, you’ll adapt your workflow around it, and it will become a habit. You’ll start experiencing the benefits – a happier mood, more creativity, less stress – which positively feedback into your business success.

And of course, Karl Konnekt will happily be your sidekick in this journey, taking over some of the load. Our goal is that a year from now, when someone asks “What would you do if you had more free time?”, you can confidently say: “I already make time for what I love, every day.”

Embrace Time Freedom: Your Motivational Close

Life is too short to be stuck in an endless cycle of “all work, no play.” The data is clear: whether it’s a millennial creative in London or a seasoned coach in Vienna, people thrive when they have time for what fulfills them. They become happier, more energetic, more creative, and less prone to burnout. And guess what? That makes them better business owners and service providers too – it’s a win-win.

Think back to why you started your service business. Was it for flexibility? To spend afternoons painting, or to pick up your kids from school and hear about their day? To travel between projects or to simply have control over your schedule? Perhaps it was to love what you do and also love how you live. Along the way, it’s easy to get caught up and let the business run you. But you have the power to change that narrative.

Imagine yourself with that extra hour each day: Maybe you’re finally training for that half-marathon, or dusting off that old piano, or enjoying a quiet cup of tea watching the sunrise before the emails start. Picture the smile on your face as you do that. That feeling – of being in control of your time and filling it with what you love – is priceless. It’s the feeling of living life on your own terms, which is likely what “success” truly means to you.

As our exploration showed, you’re not alone in yearning for this. Service providers around the world are collectively shifting toward this more mindful approach to work and life. It’s not a distant dream – it’s happening now, in big ways (like nations trialing 4-day workweeks) and small ways (like solopreneurs setting up smarter systems to reclaim evenings). You can be part of this positive wave.

At Karl Konnekt, we are excited to help you turn these insights into action. We’re here to handle the boring stuff, so you can get back to the good stuff. We believe that when you reclaim your time, you reclaim your joy, your creativity, yourself. And that shines through in everything you do.

So go ahead – take that step. Free up an hour and go for a bike ride, play with your dog, call your best friend, or build that Lego set with your kid. You’ll notice the difference in your spirit. Your clients, family, and future self will thank you.

In the end, it boils down to a simple truth we’ve had as our mantra all along: “Reclaim Your Time and Focus on What You Love.” 🌟 Embrace that, and success (and happiness) will naturally follow.

Sources:

• OnDeck/YouGov “Take Back Your Time” Survey – AdviserVoice (2016)
• Constant Contact Small Business Owners Survey (2015)
• Instantprint UK Remote Work Survey (2020)
• Nielsen Global Generational Lifestyles Report (2015)
• Eurostat Quality of Life: Leisure Time (2022)
• Entrepreneurs’ Forum Big Question (2022) – Quotes
• Time etc Delegation & Burnout Survey (2021)
• Pro Beauty Association “Balance Culture” Study (2024)
• Gen Z Freelancing & Work-Life (Upwork survey, 2024)
• Travel Trends – American Express (2025) and Family Travel surveys
• Reddit r/Entrepreneur free time thread (anecdotes)
• (Additional references inline)