20-Something, Writing

Life of a Freelancer in Pictures

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.

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22 Comments

  • Reply Holly October 25, 2011 at 6:40 pm

    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?

    • Reply hipstercrite October 25, 2011 at 6:49 pm

      dear god, i hope not!!!

  • Reply MG October 25, 2011 at 6:43 pm

    OMG. I was the same way when I was working from home. I think it’s ok thought because you’re still super cool.

    • Reply hipstercrite October 25, 2011 at 6:49 pm

      awww….well, thank you. i feel like a schlub.

  • Reply Greg Ackerman October 25, 2011 at 6:44 pm

    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.

    • Reply hipstercrite October 25, 2011 at 6:48 pm

      But you are wise, Greg! Own it!

  • Reply vanessa October 25, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    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.

    • Reply hipstercrite October 25, 2011 at 8:40 pm

      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.

  • Reply Kate October 25, 2011 at 9:25 pm

    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.

    • Reply hipstercrite October 25, 2011 at 9:45 pm

      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…

  • Reply suzy October 25, 2011 at 9:38 pm

    where. did you get that mug? does it say “my spoon is too big” on the other side?

    • Reply hipstercrite October 25, 2011 at 9:48 pm

      just has the graphic. you can purchase them on the bitter films website, i believe.

  • Reply Kelly Stocker October 26, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    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 🙂

  • Reply Nick October 26, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    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.

  • Reply bobbi October 29, 2011 at 4:39 am

    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.

    • Reply hipstercrite October 31, 2011 at 7:51 pm

      hahaha! don’t worry. i’ve definitely gone to 6pm without changing out of my pjs!

  • Reply Kelly November 6, 2011 at 1:52 am

    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 🙂

  • Reply How to Stop Worrying January 26, 2012 at 5:51 pm

    […] jokingly talked about how going freelance has made it difficult for me to remember to change my underwear or socialize […]

  • Reply Alexandra the Tsaritsa May 23, 2012 at 6:03 pm

    When I worked from home I would quite often feel like I was going crazy, especially when I didn’t leave the house. Now that I work in an office, I long for my work-at-home days. Getting dressed is overrated.

    • Reply hipstercrite May 24, 2012 at 12:12 am

      I know. Sometimes I have to step back and think, “Lauren, this is what you wanted. Would you like to go back to the alternative?” I guess it all comes down to balance. I try to leave the house and walk and do errands, but sometimes that’s not enough. Today I feel like ripping my head off.

  • Reply irena May 23, 2012 at 6:33 pm

    i hear you, sister! i find it incredible stupid, when people ask what i do whole day every day because i can’t just go out for a cup of coffee and how cool it is, when i can plan my days in ‘my own way’… i mean – i am thankful for the job i do, i would not change a bit of it, but it can get sad. 🙂
    thank you for this. i was having some sort of depression, since i thought i’m the only one who stares at the ceiling and eats crap.

    • Reply hipstercrite May 24, 2012 at 12:08 am

      thanks for commenting! i wanted to be a freelancer and i enjoy working from home, but sometimes i feel like i’m falling into depression too!

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