Today life as a freelancer took me to a small, windowless office in a government building. It was so hot that I had to spend the day dipping a paper towel into my water bottle and dabbing it on my pressure points. My brown dress pants were rolled up to my knees as I tried in vain to fan myself. At several points, I thought I might faint. The whirring of the projector was deafening.
Contrast this with me, on an average day, sitting in sweatpants on my couch, my dog by my side. “Oh, I’m so jealous,” people say to me, and I remember being the jealous one, looking at self-employment like a child looks a toy in a store window. Well, I’m a believer that jealousy is a key to figuring out what you want. Some people thrive on the social aspect of office life. If you aren’t one of those people – if you find it stifling – then I’d encourage you to begin seriously contemplating whether self-employment is a viable option.
For me, it’s the only way to stay sane – no more chasm between the Personal and the Professional. It’s all just me. I don’t have to look a certain way, or talk a certain way, or worry about office politics. If I feel like working from a cafe, I can. Some days I work like a dog; other days, I take it easy. Don’t get me wrong: there are a number of challenges – such as, oh, making sure I get paid – but for me, the rewards are worth it.
It isn’t right for everyone – but if it’s an idea you’ve been flirting with, I encourage you to take the plunge.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Glad you’re happy with your decision–and also glad that you had water to dab with! The Muralist
Quitting our cushy Gov’t jobs was the best decision we ever made. Nothing is better than working for yourself.
Just my two sense, but not all offices are created equal. I once interned at this powerhouse law firm and boy was it a ride. I’d do anything to get hired there. I’m sure there’s some politics to put up with, but from everyone says, it’s more than worth it. So far, no one has willing left. Everyone who gets hired gets about as much “leg-room” as you want. It’s an interesting setup. You have to see it to believe it. Forgot the name, but if I remember I’ll let you know. ;)
It struck me that this cartoon seemed to nicely sum up your world view as described here:
http://xkcd.com/308/
Pretty much John.
Today we had a meeting with a client while Lily was strapped to my back in the BabyErgo. Also, while in our PJ’s. Aint nothing better.
Isn’t it beautiful when you find balance in your life by identifying your ideal working environment? I am in my PJs sitting on the couch as I type this comment. I have several conference calls this afternoon that don’t require me to change into a suit but then I teach yoga in the evening where I’ll need to get out of PJs and into something yoga-ish. Ahh…this is the life!