Freelancing Angst: When The Work Never Ends!
Far be it for me to say that someone is working too hard, but when I read an article this week in The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) detailing the endless work week that some freelancers are experiencing, I immediately thanked God that I wasn’t in their shoes. In, “For the Self-Employed, It’s an Endless Workweek,” the WSJ showcased an emerging trend among some freelancers who fearing the current job market, they cancel or shorten vacations; leave home fully connected with laptop, blackberry or cell phone nearby; or embrace some other behavior that leaves everyone else miserable and themselves tired.
I Work All Night I Work All Day…
Life can be like a ball and chain if you never get a break. But for some freelancers, work is a never ending quest as they worry about getting the next gig and paying their bills.
I’m not surprised that the trend to work all of the time has been emerging. After all, with work hard to come by and with more freelancers then ever to count among the competition, any delay getting back to a potential customer could mean lost business. Perhaps forever. People know that if you’re not available someone else is, especially if they’re looking to use you to work on a one-off project such as writing a press release, updating web content or helping them with a time sensitive marketing campaign.
But I have to say that if I worked as hard as some of these people do without taking a break, then something has to give. And that “give” would likely come in the form of harming my health; neglecting my wife and children; or simply failing to deliver my best work because I’m tired all of the time.
…To Pay The Bills I Have To Pay…
Last month, my family and I packed our stuff up and headed from our home in North Carolina to see family in New Jersey where we hail from. We left on a Thursday and returned on a Tuesday, a short trip but long enough for us to see just about everyone, including some relatives we hadn’t seen since our last trip back in 2006. Yes, I brought my laptop along and I had my cell phone on, but we still managed to have a good time as I limited my “work” to checking my email once in the morning and again in the evening.
Thankfully, there were no fires to put out and, even though I didn’t tell most of my current clients that I was going away, the one query I had was able to put off until the day after we returned. There is no way that I would have canceled the trip – I needed a break personally and our family needed to get away together. I returned refreshed and ready to tackle the world and as for my immediate family they were thrilled to reconnect with aunts, uncles and cousins they hadn’t seen in some time.
…Ain’t It Sad!
I’m of the mind that some work that can’t wait is not worth doing in the first place. I suppose that this is easy for me to say when my workload is heavy, as it has been throughout the year, but there comes a point when a few days of uninterrupted break is not only beneficial but necessary if you are to recharge your batteries and connect with family and friends without being permanently tethered to your work.
So, how about you? Have you been able to take a break yet this summer? If so, did you take a “working break” or did you manage to disconnect from your computer and connect with those whom you love?
Photo Credit: Jeff Prieb
Song Credit: Abba — Money! Money! Money!
Tags: Abba, career, employment, freelancer, Jeff Prieb, jobs, self employed, The Wall Street Journal, vacation, work week
Writing | Matthew C. Keegan, 6 Aug 09
By Lisa Vella, August 6, 2009 @ 6:28 am
Hi Matt! I’m so glad to see that you and your writing are doing well! Unfortunately, I have taken a break…a little over a year to have my baby. I’m eager to get back into writing again, but finding it difficult to get going. I haven’t given up though! It’s just a matter of finding a good routine, and really getting focused!
I always enjoy your blog entries and really admire you for the success you’ve made in your life! Take care and have a wonderful day!
By Matthew C. Keegan, August 6, 2009 @ 6:31 am
Hi Lisa! Thank you for stopping by.
I know you’ve been super busy with your children and this break is much needed. I admire WAHM and how they try to balance everything, so enjoy your special time with the baby.
The market has certainly changed under current market conditions. Send me an email message (via the contact form link at the top of the page) to let me know what you’re looking for. I may be able to help you out.
By Mihaela Lica, August 6, 2009 @ 7:50 am
Well, I can no longer say it… since I have my baby I take many days off – but the angst is still there, even more than before.
By Matthew C. Keegan, August 6, 2009 @ 7:53 am
Mihaela, having a baby certainly is an excellent reason to stay away! I’m sure that the baby isn’t the one causing the angst, rather the balancing of responsibilities must be what is bringing about that pressure.
By Laura Spencer, August 6, 2009 @ 9:23 am
Good post! I used to take my computer along on vacations and work in the evenings and early mornings.
I quit doing that this year and started negotiating with my clients instead. For larger breaks, I tell them I am going to be gone. Last weekend I took Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and didn’t even tell anyone.
An eyeopener for me was when I worked nights and weekends to meet a client deadline — only to have to wait for them to get back to me because they had scheduled their own vacation for the project due date. (Not all deadlines are hard and fast.)
Laura Spencer´s last blog ..Tips For Writing an E-Book
By Matthew C. Keegan, August 6, 2009 @ 9:29 am
Well said, Laura! How many times have we run like crazy to get a job done only to learn that the deadline we set for ourselves wasn’t set in stone? Most of my long time clients are flexible and certainly understand when I need a break.
That’s good you got away without the computer. I managed to do that last year for four days and didn’t miss anything. This year was a bit different, but I still didn’t have a project to handle while on the road.
Freelancers need a break, but we’re the ones who have to find that time and just do it!
By Lillie Ammann, August 7, 2009 @ 2:38 am
Matt,
I work a lot, including Saturdays, but I don’t work on Sundays. Although I don’t often take time off, I occasionally visit my sister on the farm and am out of touch then.
I would take more time off if I were younger and had children at home. My husband is retired, and I do spend time with him every day.
Lillie Ammann´s last blog ..Interview on NAIWE Podcast Today
By Matt Keegan, August 7, 2009 @ 5:38 am
You have good balance in your life, Lillie. I’m dead set against working on Sundays too, attending church in the morning and making sure that I truly rest in the afternoon.
Sometimes the short breaks are the most refreshing of all, aren’t they?
Matt Keegan´s last blog ..Why Does President Obama Want Us To Finger Our Fellow Americans?