Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Email
Print
I’ve been freelancing full time for about two years now and, since leaving book publishing, my lifestyle has changed quite a bit:
I’ve felt healthier, probably because I no longer construct entire meals out of vending machine snacks, and because I take the time to work out several times a week. (Not only that, but I’m avoiding the petri dish that is the corporate office.)
I’ve felt more relaxed, eschewing bras and form-fitting pants, taking lunch breaks in front of the TV with my cats curled up at my side, and sometimes even squeezing in an early morning walk around the neighborhood.
My problems with chronic depression and anxiety have lessened, because I’m no longer working at a job I had grown to hate, and because I cut from my life a pesky one-hour commute that, by the end of my time in NY, was causing me to have frequent panic attacks.
And, of course, I’ve felt far more fulfilled by my work.
But some habits die hard, among them my long-held, misguided commitment to a 9-5 work day.
A few months ago, however, I stopped setting the alarm to 7:30 a.m., having found that I continued to wake up on time without it. Living without that alarm was such a pleasure.
Then, as my work load grew, I found myself sleeping a little bit later on some days.
At first I was concerned. But then I realized: It’s not a big deal. As freelancers, we can make our own hours, manipulating our to-dos to fit into the hours when we’re most productive.
How about you? Do you generally stick to “normal” business hours, or do you find that you work best under an entirely different arrangement? Those of you who buck the trend: How do you continue to make yourselves as available as possible to clients? 9-to-5ers: Are those standard hours the only thing keeping you in line? Please share!
For more timely, relevant, and engaging articles,
subscribe to Brazen Careerist.
- Why You Might Be Better Off Without a Job After College
- How To Find a Writing Partner Who Can Help You Achieve Your Goals and Make More Money
- A New Kind of Business Mover and Shaker
- Continuing Education: Extending Learning Beyond Your Campus Years
- The Anti-Stalker’s Guide for Converting Online Contact into Real World Collaboration
Comments
09.17.09
My job allows me to telecommute at least once a week. I find that I get much more accomplished at home in a shorter amount of time. At work, much of my day is spent being distracted or wasting time in meaningless meetings,at home I don't have that problem.
And working on the computer on my couch (and near the kitchen yumminess)is way more awesome than being in my windowless cube.
Got Something To Say?
Got Something To Say?
Not a Member? Brazen Careerist is a career management tool for next-generation professionals. Set up a free account today to comment on this post and start sharing your ideas. Learn more.
Login to view your networks!
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
