It’s been about two months since I quit my full-time job. During this time I’ve been trying to balance freelance projects with a newfound freedom.
When I go though a big change to my daily routine, it typically takes me a few months to reorganize and focus my time. I tend to get overwhelmed when my days dramatically shift.
While I don’t miss working full-time, I do miss the predictability of my days.
During the first month and a half after leaving my full-time job, I took on so many freelance projects that I thought I might never sleep again. Part of my motivation for taking on so much was not knowing when I might get more work.
I felt as though I needed to take on more in case there wasn’t anymore freelance work to come.
As I write this, a couple of projects have been delayed, which has given me some much needed breathing room.
The additional time has allowed me to indulge in my once each decade tradition of trying to figure out how we got here, why we’re here and what’s next. You know, the lighter things in life.
This repeating period in my life is usually marked by an intense period of research, study and pondering. I reread historical and religious texts and attempt to digest new interpretations and theories from minds much greater than mine.
The result is typically an updated world-view and period of satisfaction where I naively believe I have things (mostly) figured out. That is, until the next period of searching consumes me and causes me to change and/or refine my perspective once again.
I’m also figuring out what our finances will look like as I transition into freelance work. Look forward to tips on making an irregular income work for you as soon as I devise a solid plan.
Do you ever go through these periods of high activity and focus that are later balanced with retreat and reflection?
P.S. When you receive this, I’ll be enjoying a family vacation and (hopefully) relaxing. So, if I’m unable to respond to comments right away, that’s why!
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I agree, it is challenging to go from a structured job to working on one’s own. My wife, like you, freelances and almost never turns down work, for the same reason as you. Might be her last job! Of course it never does, as she’s very good at what she does (and you must be too given the apparent demand for your services!). I’m not sure of the answer, but somehow freelancers need to be able to carve out time for themselves.
I completely relate! When I went from full-time student, nanny, and intern to just being a stay at home mom, it was a huge change! I didn’t know what to do with all of the unstructured time. It’s been over 4 years, and I’m still a little lost in my days. I did find that once I started my job/volunteership, it was so helpful to have some specifically-directed time. It makes me appreciate the unstructured time so much more!
As for the pondering, we tend to go through weekly bouts of that as well. I often get upset that it leads up to not getting things accomplished, but I’ve been realizing lately it’s helping us accomplish “growing up”, so it has it’s place.
Hope you’re having a good vacation
When I become overloaded I run off to a monastery in Kentucky or Indiana to re-energize. The quiet, contemplative atmosphere enables me to put things into perspective and become more balanced…ready to once again take on the world. When I’m VERY lucky, I visit cathedrals and monasteries in Europe. There’s nothing like getting completely away from everything to help me appreciate all that I’ve achieved and forgive myself for what I haven’t yet done.
This is exactly the reason why I’m not down with freelancing as a long-term strategy.
One replaces a boss with an even tougher boss (oneself) who doesn’t care for workweek hours and only reluctantly gives out sick days.
While it is a great way to kick-start that entrepreneurial spirit and gain your independence without straining for cash, building a system that allows you to produce work that is easily repeatable is the way to go.
Passive income is not that “passive” an affair, but it is better than freelancing in the long run.
Takes some time to figure out, but the sooner one starts working on it, the better.
-Rich
I know that for me, I am currently in a high activity time. School just started again, and between summer school, summer reading, seeing my friends, homework, and working, I am running out of time to do anything and I am constantly exhausted. All I am doing right now is trying to finish everything up so I take take a breather for a while and not be so stressed out!
Hey Jenny, though I can’t offer any advice on the freelancing bit as I still have a full time job while carving out my side hustle, I am glad that you are taking time to regroup, reevaluate, and ponder things and am happy that you had some down time. I don’t want you to run yourself ragged!
Also, here’s one thing I can offer – KNOW that there will ALWAYS be work. I think with that little shift in mindset, you can start to turn down work if they aren’t an exact fit for you and know that you will always have enough work to sustain you. (I’m learning more of this myself as I’m telling you as when my time comes to be a full time freelancer, I’ll have learned this lesson too
)…
You’ll find the balance for you I’m sure!
~Kesha
Great post Jenny. I do feel that sometimes my life is similar. Right now I work full time as well as doing some side gigs to help out friends. I think the predictability mixed with the unknown is good for me.
What is important is having the right systems in place to make sure that even if things aren’t predictable, they can be organized efficiently. I am a big fan of David Allen’s GTD solutions and try to stay on top of my to-do’s every day. It seems to have gotten easier with a new smartphone and all the online apps you can get these days.
It’s fun trailing different systems. (I’m using a great Android app called DGT GTD at the moment – no affiliation, I just love it that much) When you find the right system or app to to take care of managing tasks and projects that may come up unexpectedly, then things can be a lot easier for sure. Keep us in the loop with how things pan out Jenny.
Hope you’re enjoying your hols? I’ve been self-employed for over 5 years now…. It can take a while but you’ll be surprised how much you can embrace lack of daily structure! Good luck!
I can relate Jenny. However, I don’t have a freelance job, instead I prefer to have an information business that generates passive income. It is a value for money trade, not a time for money trade.
Freelance is a good start for self employment, but it is not a fulfilling long term strategy. Because you have to stop working some day and enjoy your life.