"My stressors, as a self-employed single parent: being self-employed and being a parent."
This is so 100% on point. There is nothing more terrifying than the work drying up when you're a single parent (me too) and you're freelance so there is no safety net.
I'm so sorry to read what's happened to you. I've been listening to your recent Independent podcasts and getting so much out of them, and there you were, giving, giving, giving until your body has said there's nothing left to give. It's a really shitty, scary situation and I hope the enforced radical redesign is transformative, though as someone on the brink of being forced to do the same I know how overwhelming the prospect can be (where do you even start with this?). Thank you for sharing what's happened, though I'm sorry it did, and I wish you well with your recovery and redesigned life that takes more care of you.
I'm absolutely with you on this one, and can fully relate and empathise - and as well as the parent stuff, I've also the complication of being the sole unpaid carer for 3 immediate family members too; so if I fall over, then there's no-one to stop the domino/chain reaction starting of them then falling over too...
'So many say “the future of work is freelance” - and this makes me fearful.'
This line is on point.
Every LinkedIn post I read about the future of work is freelance etc blows my mind.
They are written by people that are usually after a long time in a perm role, with full financial savings and personal support decide to jump ship and get high on the fact that they can go for a walk at 11am for no reason other than because they can.
I've been a freelancer for 23 years across 3 countries.
I've tried perm 3 times, and worked in offices next to perm workers for the first 18 years.
Perm workers have no idea the kind of agility it takes to survive as a freelancer.
Let alone one in today's nightmare market.
Every time I see a bright smiley face do a post on LinkedIn proudly announcing they've gone freelance, usually in creative industries I have a mini heart attack for them.
They have no idea.
I am so sorry your body has forced you to stop.
As the famous book is called 'The Body Keeps Score'.
I'm currently hunting for a perm role or a long contract because I have realised this year after having to get yet another payment plan for my corporation tax bill (4th one!) that freelancing is no longer viable and an even deeper realisation that modern life is no longer affordable.
Receiving a rent increase email two weeks ago helped shove this reality right into my face.
Every time I go to the supermarket I see everyday items over priced in the quadruples or triples, some with sale discounts to double of what they were only 2 years ago.
But no wages have increased and trying to get work has gotten exponentially harder.
Something has to give and the poorest always get it the worst.
Visions of homelessness aren't far away for most of us and as we've hustled through this life, we know no one really cares. They're all hustling themselves trying not to come near it.
I want the government to mandate a law that not hiring anyone over the age of 40/45/50/55/60 is illegal.
The government love to make laws against obesity, saying the NHS will start giving out weight loss jabs to 'save the strain on later life health complications for the NHS'.
But what about the mental health support to find out why they're obese?
Poverty is a number 1 factor!
What bout ageism in hiring?
What about rental control so people have affordable places to live?
What about mental health support for all?
What about a universal basic income so no one is left struggling to eat or heat their homes?
All of those things will 'stop the strain' on the benefits system, the NHS, crime, and more!
Sending deep empathy to you.
Sorry this isn't the most positive response, but I find lying doesn't help anyone.
I stand with you in empathy and commiseration.
I can give you this to watch, which helps me level out when I need to be calm:
'Ambient Storms // Thunderstorms, Lightning, Sunsets and Zen in 4K'
Glad to hear you’re trying to rest. This will pass.
"My stressors, as a self-employed single parent: being self-employed and being a parent."
This is so 100% on point. There is nothing more terrifying than the work drying up when you're a single parent (me too) and you're freelance so there is no safety net.
I'm so sorry to read what's happened to you. I've been listening to your recent Independent podcasts and getting so much out of them, and there you were, giving, giving, giving until your body has said there's nothing left to give. It's a really shitty, scary situation and I hope the enforced radical redesign is transformative, though as someone on the brink of being forced to do the same I know how overwhelming the prospect can be (where do you even start with this?). Thank you for sharing what's happened, though I'm sorry it did, and I wish you well with your recovery and redesigned life that takes more care of you.
I'm absolutely with you on this one, and can fully relate and empathise - and as well as the parent stuff, I've also the complication of being the sole unpaid carer for 3 immediate family members too; so if I fall over, then there's no-one to stop the domino/chain reaction starting of them then falling over too...
'So many say “the future of work is freelance” - and this makes me fearful.'
This line is on point.
Every LinkedIn post I read about the future of work is freelance etc blows my mind.
They are written by people that are usually after a long time in a perm role, with full financial savings and personal support decide to jump ship and get high on the fact that they can go for a walk at 11am for no reason other than because they can.
I've been a freelancer for 23 years across 3 countries.
I've tried perm 3 times, and worked in offices next to perm workers for the first 18 years.
Perm workers have no idea the kind of agility it takes to survive as a freelancer.
Let alone one in today's nightmare market.
Every time I see a bright smiley face do a post on LinkedIn proudly announcing they've gone freelance, usually in creative industries I have a mini heart attack for them.
They have no idea.
I am so sorry your body has forced you to stop.
As the famous book is called 'The Body Keeps Score'.
I'm currently hunting for a perm role or a long contract because I have realised this year after having to get yet another payment plan for my corporation tax bill (4th one!) that freelancing is no longer viable and an even deeper realisation that modern life is no longer affordable.
Receiving a rent increase email two weeks ago helped shove this reality right into my face.
Every time I go to the supermarket I see everyday items over priced in the quadruples or triples, some with sale discounts to double of what they were only 2 years ago.
But no wages have increased and trying to get work has gotten exponentially harder.
Something has to give and the poorest always get it the worst.
Visions of homelessness aren't far away for most of us and as we've hustled through this life, we know no one really cares. They're all hustling themselves trying not to come near it.
I want the government to mandate a law that not hiring anyone over the age of 40/45/50/55/60 is illegal.
The government love to make laws against obesity, saying the NHS will start giving out weight loss jabs to 'save the strain on later life health complications for the NHS'.
But what about the mental health support to find out why they're obese?
Poverty is a number 1 factor!
What bout ageism in hiring?
What about rental control so people have affordable places to live?
What about mental health support for all?
What about a universal basic income so no one is left struggling to eat or heat their homes?
All of those things will 'stop the strain' on the benefits system, the NHS, crime, and more!
Sending deep empathy to you.
Sorry this isn't the most positive response, but I find lying doesn't help anyone.
I stand with you in empathy and commiseration.
I can give you this to watch, which helps me level out when I need to be calm:
'Ambient Storms // Thunderstorms, Lightning, Sunsets and Zen in 4K'
https://youtu.be/I3whZ0ITUOw?si=l6XORC5ixquJSJeo
Full screen it. Volume up and be.
Also a great quote: 'You cannot give from an empty cup'.
HUGS!
x
Dont really have the energy to reply properly, but please accept my gratitude for your comment. And I'm 100% in agreement.
I forbid you to even try to think of a bigger reply. Rest, man! x