So, I’ve been freelancing for almost 2 years now and although I’ve shared it wasn’t something I set out to do, I haven’t spoken about the main reason I am glad to have the flexible lifestyle that freelancing offers. Freelancing has helped me with my chronic illness.
For about 3 years now, I’ve had symptoms of IBS and some other related symptoms surrounding this. It’s something that affects my life on many levels.
And so, although freelancing isn’t something I set out to do, I realise just how necessary it is and it solves the issue of having a flexible work environment. I just didn’t know that freelancing was the answer when I started or prior to this.
It’s by God’s grace alone that is sustaining me to continue to have a freelance lifestyle.
Here are some specific things that have helped me live with a chronic illness and freelance at the same time:
No More Gaslighting From Your Boss/ Employees For Chronic Illness
Sometimes I think back to the previous roles I’ve been in and the extra stress it caused over something I didn’t have control over (my symptoms) and the lack of understanding from those in those environments. People would make gaslighting comments (make you think you are exaggerating or making an issue out of nothing) regarding my symptoms.
As a freelancer, I can choose who I work with. And thankfully all my clients are open to how I do my work, as long as I meet the deadline.
Although there are still situations (non-work related) where people still don’t fully understand my symptoms, at least I can now earn a living flexibly. And anything outside of that isn’t obligatory. Therefore freelancing affords me the opportunity to live a flexible lifestyle.
Flexibility To Perform At Your Best With Chronic Illness
The nature of my symptoms are uncomfortable and even more so when working in certain environments. This, therefore, affects how well I do my work.
As a freelance writer, I can work from home or any other setting that helps me perform at my best. Having this choice is integral to how well I carry out my work.
No More Stigma For Sick Days
The great thing about being a freelance writer too is that when symptoms are particularly bad, there’s less need to worry about counting your sick days.
I usually work ahead of my deadlines and so if there’s a day where I’m not feeling my best, I usually can afford to distribute that work out on other days and still meet my deadline.
Whereas in a typical job, I noticed there tends to be a stigma of taking a sick day.
To be fair, my experience of working at a typical job has been limited to retail jobs. I haven’t worked as a writer in a 9-5 job.
But nonetheless, when I was working in retail and phoned in sick, there was a sense of being scorned upon or the guilt of letting your colleagues down. Even if it’s over something you cannot control.
The thing with a chronic illness is that it is prolonged and unpredictable. Therefore having a limited amount of sick days or feeling guilty for calling in sick is something you would live with, on top of the fact that you are actually not well. It’s a toxic combination. And this isn’t always understood by employers and employees which can have a further impact on your mental health.
If you have a chronic illness and are considering freelancing, I hope my experience has helped you draw nearer to making a decision. I’m happy to discuss more about my experience in this area too. Feel free to email me at [email protected].
If you are looking to get into freelancing, you can hop on a strategy call with me.
