April 2025 Billable Hour Check In

First business day of the month? Let’s check in on my billable hour requirement. Reminder: My firm expects partners to track 2400 hours—all in. A mix of + billable time (for paid client work) + investment time (furthering my career, my clients, my firm). After Q1, I’m nearly 100 hours ahead of my goal. But: Now is not the time to slow down. So, instead of taking my foot off the gas, I’ll save those extra hours of other, slower times, Or for some days off. Like when my husband and I go to Toronto for a long Labor Day weekend. So, this month’s target? 200 hours. In April, I see 21 full billing days and one half billing day. On full days, I’ll shoot for 9.3 hours. On half days, I’ll shoot for 4.7 hours. When I exceed my daily goal, —I’ll take time off the next day. —I’ll take time off the rest of the week. —I’ll take time off the rest of the month. —Or, I’ll keep pushing, banking hours for later. When I miss my daily goal, —I’ll add time to the next day. —I’ll add time over the rest of the week. —I’ll add time over the rest of the month. —Or, I’ll give myself grace because I have a buffer. This system, This daily and weekly habit, Keeps me sane and grounded. I know where I stand. I take time “off” when it is slow and I can rely on banked time. And the guilt is dialed back because I know where I stand. The billable hour isn’t a boogie man, for me. It doesn’t have to be for you. Create a system. Experiment until it sticks. Then grow the habit. And refine it at every turn. Making it your own takes away the dread. Knowing where you stand eases guilt and anxiety. The billable hour isn’t the enemy. I promise.