You know what it’s like to be a freelancer, and so do I.
But many people don’t.
Even within our own homes we can sometimes feel like strangers when it comes to why and how we follow the freelance life.
In fact, when you were starting out, you probably got a few weird looks and comments from family, friends or colleagues.
“Are you sure? Wouldn’t it be safer getting a real job?” (Ha! Like a “real” job is safe these days.)
I don’t know what it is exactly, but there is a clear and definite line that divides people who get and want the freelance life, and those who don’t. And if we are surrounded by too many people who don’t get it, we can begin to feel isolated. And if we feel isolated for too long, we can start having doubts about ourselves.
That’s why I make a point of spending time with friends and colleagues who know what it’s like to work for yourself.
Yes, it’s easy for me, because I have been doing this for over 30 years, so I know a lot of freelancers and solopreneurs.
But even if this is your first year as a freelancer, you have probably connected with other people in the same position through Facebook or Twitter. Or maybe you have met other freelancers at events, online or offline.
What I recommend is that you pick one or two of those people and make a point of connecting with them on a regular basis. Maybe it’s the first thing you do on a Monday morning, or the last thing you do on a Friday afternoon.
Just set up a time and get together. You can connect through a Skype video call at no cost. Or if they live close by, meet for a coffee.
What are you going to talk about? Anything you like. Just make some of the conversation about your work… your worries and ambitions, your triumphs and failures, your gripes and your doubts.
What’s the point? Because it helps to have someone listen to you, particularly when that other person gets what it’s like to be a freelancer. We all need a little empathy and even sympathy from time to time. And we all need to get stuff off our chests, to just let it out.
Above all, we need someone to cheer for us when we succeed, or when we set ourselves a humungous new goal.
The isolation of being a freelancer can be a burden. But by connecting with others who know what we are going through, much of that burden can be lifted.
This is part if taking care of yourself. And taking care of yourself is essential if you want to grow and succeed as a freelancer.
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About the author: Nick Usborne is an online writer, copywriter, author and coach. Read more…