Keeping with the “posts I didn’t think I’d write” theme, I have some slightly less traumatic but otherwise Important Life Stuff news.
Having earlier this week spent the Nth (I’ve lost count) night waking up — tossing and turning — stressing about work, I decided that enough was enough this week. The reasons are many and varied but… I just can’t lie in bed when the alarm clock goes off, dreading getting up and wanting to call in sick: it’s not sustainable and is having a massive effect on my mental health (which has been up and down over the past year as it is). I miss my mojo. I’ve handed in my notice at matm.
A couple of full time opportunities cropped up in the week (coincidence) but ultimately I’m 99% sure at this stage that I’m going to return to freelancing. The flexibility around the kid’s schedule will be a massive help, the ability to go for a run in the middle of the day if my mood hits a big low, not having to deal with petty office politics etc. It’s a win-win situation as far as I can tell. (Apart from having to earn a massive amount to cover my monthly bills, but eh, IT’LL BE FINE!)
One of the big things I struggled with last time, and a big part of why I stopped working at home, was an overwhelming sense of loneliness. I got to the point where I was talking to the postman and inviting Jehovah’s Witnesses in for a cup of tea. I don’t want that to be the thing that stops me from making this opportunity a success, so I will be addressing this as soon as possible. I am not sure how yet, but I’ve had loads of ideas (and nicked other people’s): volunteering somewhere a few hours a week, working in a client office occasionally, working in the local pub for a few hours (actually, maybe not this one… ;))
I want to be able to look at this opportunity the same way I looked at it last time: mostly positive.
It’s just a shame that this is timed so spectacularly badly, given that I’ve not long listed WAHMweb.co.uk up for sale because of lack of time to dedicate to it. And it’s too late to cancel the sale, too :(
Anyway, I’d appreciate your well wishes and crossed digits in the coming months. And if you need a website…
09 May at 5:34 pm
I hope things go well for you! Hopefully now your kids are older (so I assume that childcare isn’t as big a stress) it will go well! I would also highly reccomend volunteering. I volunteer in a local charity shop and its great – super flexible hours, really easy work and just enough social interaction to beat that feeling of isolation. Your other ideas sound good though maybe not the pub…? Anyway, I’m sure that with your experience and continued freelancing you’ll always have the skills to go back into work if you want to anyway. :)
10 May at 5:01 am
I wish you all the very best with this, and hope it will be the start in a positive working direction. If you get stuck, you know that many people are willing to help you as well. Plus, I had a project I emailed you aaaages ago, but it would have to be worth your time. I guess, if you want to, you can email me about it, or let it go. :)
11 May at 5:23 pm
This sounds like the right move for you right now. All the best of luck!