On sick days and freelancing

As much as I love my job as a freelance copywriter, it’s not quite so much fun on days when I am sick. When I had a conventional job, I, like most people, got paid for sick days. That’s not the case now that I’m freelancing.

I used to daydream about having the freedom to pick and choose when I worked. As a freelancer, I could start late, have long lunch breaks, and even long weekends, if I so wished. In reality, it’s not that simple.

Yesterday, I started with a cold. I knew it was coming – I’ve had a sore throat for a couple of days. I started a project, I did a bit of marketing, and then I gave in for the day. And there was the first mistake.

Of course, naturally, today I feel much worse. But because of that unfinished project yesterday, I have 2 pieces of work to complete today. And I have to do those with the feeling that all I want to do is lie down and have a nice long sleep.

It’s 11.30 as I write this, and that first project is done. Just the second one to do (the one I was due to do today anyway). If I don’t do it, my income this month will be short. 

My second problem is that I’d planned a couple of things this afternoon. It’s my mum’s birthday tomorrow, and I wanted to go out and buy her present. It’s also polling day, so I need to go and vote.

So a lesson learned – don’t assume. I’d assumed I’d feel better today and be more able to catch up. I feel worse, and I’ve got more stuff that needs doing.

This is just a short post, I’m pushed for time. But I wanted to get it out there, as a reminder to myself.

If you freelance, I’d love to hear how you cope with sick days. Do you plan for them?