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Lockdown has made me realize that my 4 yrs working from home as a freelancer were perhaps not the healthiest. I took every job that came my way (because the fear) and worked many evenings and weekends. One winter I didn’t leave my flat for four days (because Canada).
I’d given up hope of finding a full-time job in publishing because of where I lived, and I couldn’t keep up with literary goings-on because my brain was so taxed, and it hurt to observe circles I felt I’d missed my chance to be part of. I think of these now as the lost years.
I thought they had prepared me for lockdown, but I’ve just crept into old habits and filled the time I would’ve spent out in the world with more work. I wake up, write for an hour, work for 12, and crash. I’ve spent every bank holiday but one editing.
In some ways, lockdown has been better because I have coworkers and someone forcing me to take a walk. Don’t underestimate the power of having someone to check in on you, under lockdown or not!
It’s hard to say no as a freelancer, especially in uncertain times like these. But it’s important to remember the things you miss out on - other opportunities, ways to grow and better yourself - when you never say it.
I know many won’t have the luxury of turning down paying work. Just don’t forget that the reason you’re working so hard is to give yourself a life. Make sure you live it.
