Dealing with quiet periods - emotional impact.
In the second of a series of posts about dealing with quiet periods, we look at the emotional impact, and what you can do to take care of your own wellbeing.
In the second of a series of posts on dealing with quiet periods, we look at the emotional side of quiet periods - and how you can take care of your own wellbeing.
It’s not just your bank balance that’s affected when you’re not working or going through a dry spell - but there’s a real emotional impact too.
A combination of a knock to your confidence, a health dose of financial anxiety, often a little bit of catastrophizing (I love this word, but not a fan of doing it), and even feelings of isolation or shame. Wonderful!
It’s not you, but macroeconomics.
The first thing to recognise is the remarkable state of affairs locally and globally right now - the lingering effects of the pandemic, huge rounds of layoffs across many sectors, economies teetering on the edge of recessions, high inflation, high cost of living, war in Europe, political uncertainty, and the climate crisis - things are hard, everywhere.
Based upon conversations in our communities, my conversations with freelancers across multiple sectors, and following other communities and channels on social - many many many freelancers are feeling that the market is exceedingly quiet currently, quieter than they’ve seen in their career.
I’ve read stories of freelancers who have 20+ year careers who have never seen it this slow, and had conversations with people who are just aghast at how challenging things have been.
So, it’s important to point out immediately - it’s not you, it’s the world.
Whilst it doesn’t make it any easier, or reduce the anxiety around being able to pay your bills, it can help to recognise that this quiet period is less likely to be anything to do with you, your talent, or the value you offer to your clients.
It’s very easy to see people who are getting gigs, and wonder: why are they so busy? But looking in totality, the majority of people are feeling the slowdown here.
And even those who are busy are seeing smaller budgets, shorter projects, lower day rates, and it being harder to get projects signed off.
Recognising the slow down as a macroeconomic shift, as opposed to something you’re doing wrong, helps to remind you that there’s no personal failure here.
However, for some people - this can make things feel even harder - after all, when a situation is not wholly in your control, what you can you actually do about it?
It’s all good saying “it’s not just me that’s quiet”, but that doesn’t change the bank balance, and knowing everyone is fighting a little harder for work can make things feel even more challenging.
This sense of hopelessness or feeling out of control is unpleasant, but there are tangible ways to try and calm that anxiety.
Managing feelings of anxiety
Anxiety can easily spiral out of control, and get in the way of putting practical and helpful behaviours in place.
Slow down the inputs which are causing you concern. Take a step away from your computer, the news, emails and socials - and a deep breath.
Seeing constant messages or coverage of economic downturn, or endless LinkedIn posts about people struggling (or doing really well despite everything), can make matters feel worse.
And when I say deep breaths, I mean literally. Even just a few minutes of controlled and regulated breathing can help slow down the racing thoughts, and help you find some calm.
It is natural to be worried if you don’t have any work lined up, but listing out your concerns on a piece of paper - and focusing on the rational worries rather than those which might be less likely to happen, or “what if...” scenarios, can really help.
Focus on the things which are in your control, and prioritise the issues which are more likely to happen if you don’t take action. This can help to reduce a feeling of overwhelm.
Give yourself a clear set of goals and tasks to achieve based upon how you want to move your business forward (which we’ll take a look at in an upcoming email) - else you can end up sitting staring at the screen, waiting for something to happen.
Put some light routine in place. Even if there’s not a project to be delivered or work to be done - get up, get dressed, go to where you work, and focus on your todo list of things for your business, rather than your clients businesses. That might be updating your website, reaching out to previous clients, attending network events or taking part in communities.
It can also be helpful to make the most of the quiet periods by intentionally taking some time away from work, if you can afford to.
That doesn’t have to mean going away on holiday, but even just switching off the computer earlier in the day, stepping away from work for a day or two, and giving yourself a clear break from thinking about work can help you return to the task for finding some new business with renewed energy, especially if you’ve been feeling low.
Adding some fresh air, exercise, healthy sleep, healthy diet all help too - don’t forget the basics, as if you’re neglecting your physical health, your mental health will struggle too. Even just getting out of the house for an hour a day can help immensely.
And most importantly, don’t feel like you need to be working through this on your own.
Talking to others, whether it be a fellow freelancer, a supportive friend, or a trained professional, through helplines or counselling, can be incredibly helpful.
Whether you’re leaning into some of your freelancer communities, or seeking advice and help from others, sharing how you’re feeling, and understanding how others are experiencing it too, can also help you feel less isolated, or feeling like you’re having to deal with it entirely on your own.
Blind hope that things will improve is not a strategy
On the other end of the spectrum, ignoring all of the feelings, concerns and worries is also not that helpful.
If you’re emotionally sticking your head in the ground, and just hoping that all this will pass, without you taking action to improve things - that’s just as big a risk.
At worst, it can build up until you’re physically unwell. Chronic stress (and not dealing with stress) can manifest in all sorts of ways.
It’s important to take stock of how you’re feeling, your current situation, and try to sort the feelings from facts - so you’re working with evidence, not just fear.
But don’t wholly ignore your feelings either - use them as input, rather than letting them dictate your behaviours.
Ultimately, if you’re in the middle of a dry spell, and you’re worried about it - it’s time to take a deep breath, and start planning for what you can do about it.
In the next email, we’ll look at financial planning, and starting to build out your business, so you can design your way out of quiet patches.
How are you doing?
This is the final few days of the Leapers survey. We’re about about 150 people off where I’d like to be before it closes. That means if every single subscriber to Leapers takes part, we’ll smash our target. Can you help us reach our final goal?
Ever year, we get positive feedback that completing the survey is incredibly helpful to identify any issues and challenges you’re facing as a freelancer - so it benefits you, as well as the wider self-employed community.
Further resources.
If you’re reading this, and feel like you need further and tangible support, there are a number of very helpful further resources, especially for dealing with issues around financial anxiety or debt, or poor mental health related to financial challenges.
If you’re facing issues around debt:
Consider speaking to StepChange
If you work in the Film & TV industry, try the Film & TV Charity.
If you work in media, advertising and marketing, try NABS.
If you’re in other industries, there may be a charity which supports those in need.
If you feel at risk or in danger:
Call 999 or visit A&E.
You are not wasting anyone’s time.
If you need someone to speak to:
Call Samaritans on 116 123
for free and in confidence.