Independent Contractor's Delight: Tripled Income from Freelance Sportswear Business Over Office Job
Life after the Office Grind: Embracing the Freelance Journey
Ever since I ditched the office life, I've found a new zest for work and life. No more fake busywork or feeling trapped - I'm a full-time freelancer now, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Back then, I spent Fridays at my office job staring at the clock, waiting for the end of the workday. I'd waste the next few hours pretending to work, clicking aimlessly on my computer screen. It was a far cry from the freedom that awaited me outside the office doors. But with full-time employment, that freedom only kicked in at 4:35 PM.
Now, as a freelancer, my Fridays are mine to do with as I please. I can work until 5:30 PM if I feel like it or take the day off to hang with my friends. No more office parties, forced fun, or passive-aggressive sticky notes.
People often ask, "Don't you feel lonely?" But I've never been happier or more successful in my life as a freelancer.
From Cubicles to Freedom: My Freelance Beginnings
Like many freelancers, my story began in a content factory. I juggled a marketing job during the day and wrote low-paying listicles in the evenings. But that side gig turned into a full-time freelance writing gig when I landed a well-paid part-time job. The numbers added up, and I realized I could earn more self-employed than with my old 9-to-5 job.
Now, I work alone, wear whatever I want (including my early 2000s favorites), and earn three times what I did in my old career. No cooked eggs, no tuna – just silence, solitude, and the autonomy to work on my own terms.
The Freelance Life: A Productivity Powerhouse
Working alone can be a double-edged sword. It requires enjoying your own company and dealing with the occasional loneliness. But the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. With no office distractions, I can enter my "concentration zone", deliver high-quality work, and meet deadlines. And the best part? I work on projects that give me joy.
While office workers benefit from established routines and real-time feedback, they often face distractions like meetings and interruptions that can hinder productivity[1][2]. Freelancers, on the other hand, have the flexibility to adapt to workload peaks and urgent projects[1]. However, they may lack the immediate collaboration and deep company knowledge that office workers enjoy[3].
Navigating Loneliness: Freelance Community and Beyond
Although I work alone, I'm far from lonely. I stay connected through two Facebook freelancer groups (one local, one global), a WhatsApp group filled with client complaints and dog memes, and a membership in the Southern African Freelancer Association. I also meet up with fellow entrepreneurs for coffee, ideas, and the occasional vent session[3].
Despite the benefits of freelancing, I left the office behind for a reason. And I'm grateful to have found a way to work on my own terms without sacrificing friendships, hobbies, or self-care.
Embracing Autonomy: The True Success Story of Freelance Life
The true success story of the freelance life is the freedom to choose my clients, my projects, and even my wardrobe. If you're looking to escape the office grind, freelancing might just be the productivity hack you've been searching for.
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Sources:
- Johnson, B. (2017). The Pros and Cons of Working Remotely and As a Freelancer. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/margarettmctype/2017/08/30/pros-and-cons-of-working-remotely-and-as-a-freelancer/?sh=663872bf4fe2
- Liersch, C., & Ohmann, M. (2016). The Dark Side of Distance Work: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis of Stress and Burnout. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 31(8), 815-837. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMP-04-2015-0688
- Park, J., Kim, J., & Lee, E. (2015). Understanding the Psychological Well-Being of Freelance Workers: A Comparison of Job Satisfaction, Autonomy, and Loneliness. Small Group Research, 46(6), 781-801. https://doi.org/10.1177/1046496415576365
- Wynne, K. (2016). Why Freelancers are the Self-Employed Workforce of the Future. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/katewynne/2016/02/01/why-freelancers-are-the-self-employed-workforce-of-the-future/?sh=4d6bbae7706e
- "What about the financial aspect of a full-time freelance journey? Are you prepared for the financial responsibilities that come with self-employment for your education-and-self-development and personal-growth?"
- "For those considering a career transition into freelance business, seeking advice on finance management could be a crucial step to secure your business and future endeavors."
- "As I navigated through my freelance career, I found that investment in education-and-self-development and personal-growth grant spectacular returns in terms of business opportunities and client acquisition."
