Get good at being able to answer this question:
How many hours will it take to complete this project?
Knowing the pace of your work is essential for three reasons:
- So you can get paid appropriately.
- So you can plan your work time to finish a project on time.
- So you can be sure not to overcommit yourself in any given stretch of time.
I know how long it’ll take me to write an arrangement, and how that differs from writing a composition. I know how long it’ll take me to learn a song, how long to complete a graphic design project, how long to write an essay.
I know how long because it’s essential to me to know. It’s essential for you, too.