A wise man once told me that the key to being a balanced freelancer is making sure you change out of your pajamas every day.
So far I’ve failed miserably.
Changing clothes, brushing hair, going outside are all things I no longer know how to do.
Instead of telling you about my now two months as a freelancer, I thought I would show you in pictures.
Coffee no longer relieves headaches- it gives headaches
When you can no longer sit at your desk out of fear you will develop atrophy, watering dead plants is your only solace.
“Did I change my underwear yet today?” she wonders…
Staring at the ceiling fan pondering if you might die from lack of social interaction.
Going outside and looking for feral cats in the neighborhood because you’re not sure what else to do.
Excited to finally have time to cook but end up heating up peanut butter with stuff.
Standing outside the window questioning whether you’ll ever being a human being again.
I feel you. The mind keeps slipping and slipping, like a bad transmission. Where is the structure and reason in life. Do we have to work for other people and have established hours to function as normal human beings?
dear god, i hope not!!!
OMG. I was the same way when I was working from home. I think it’s ok thought because you’re still super cool.
awww….well, thank you. i feel like a schlub.
Thanks for the mention Lauren. Wish I felt as wise as you portray me. I cannot even figure out WHAT to do without maintaining some kind of routine in the morning.
But you are wise, Greg! Own it!
Hey, that looks pretty fulfilling to me! I especially love the search for feral cats. How about you make things interesting and take one home?
Also, a little late but just wanted you to know I really loved your piece on aging parents/being an only child. I have an older brother I am extremely close to, but am lacking in the parent department.
My father and I are complete opposites with a so-so relationship at best, so it often feels as though my only family is my big brother. Losing him would be life-altering. The way you described your fear really helped me deal with my own, which has been especially pronounced since losing my mother.
Hey Vanessa,
One of the neighbor feral kitties had a kitten! I love going outside and watching he/she play. The kitten likes to sleep on its momma. So cute!
You know, it’s one of those things you don’t like to ever think about it, but I think it’s good sometimes because it’s reality. Reading the book I mentioned about only children also helped. Reminded me that we’re not alone. We all go through this at some point.
Ahhhhhh dis is hilarious. This makes me really excited to be a graphic designer. Are you eating peanut butter and rice noodles because peanut butter + rice is the greatest invention ever. Keep it up! Everything.
thanks!
i was eating pb and rice noodles, but it tasted like crap! i looked up a thai peanut sauce recipe too. i think this recipe will take some work…
where. did you get that mug? does it say “my spoon is too big” on the other side?
just has the graphic. you can purchase them on the bitter films website, i believe.
I’m not even a freelancer… and yet I totally identify with all of this! The last couple of days I’ve ended up in this weird napping pattern that means I’m up all night watching netflix and trying to get to inbox zero
I’ve been doing this freelance thing for a couple of years now. I didn’t start off this way, and it took the 2008 wipeout to bring me to this. Now I could never work in a corporate office again. When I’m tired of working on a PC I ride my bike, go swimming, take care of chores in the midday and play my drums when I want. I only like to work 6 or less hours a day and corporations really never let me do that.
So, “making sure you change out of your pajamas every day” just shamed me into getting out of bed and taking a shower. At almost 6pm.
hahaha! don’t worry. i’ve definitely gone to 6pm without changing out of my pjs!
I have been working at home for 1 1/2 years now and can relate. Prying myself away from the glowing box that “employs” me now to go take a brief walk is rather difficult. I say go buy yourself fancy PJ’s and pretend you are over dressed for work