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?