How to Manage Anxiety When You Work for Yourself
The freelance life has its own stresses
When I decided to go freelance two years ago, it was to avoid anxiety. I was commuting on cramped public transport, putting in long hours, and rarely switching off. This can be exhilarating and energizing for some people, but for me, it was unhealthy. Every morning, I’d wake up feeling nauseous, my stomach churning with dread at the day ahead. I was exhausted but couldn’t sleep. I began to have panic attacks.
So I quit. And I haven’t regretted it. Now I’m able to do my job — and enjoy it — while managing my health.
Sort of.
It turns out freelancing brings its own brand of anxiety. It removes crucial support systems — like other people and free coffee.
Self-employment isn’t for everyone, but it can be manageable even for those who struggle with anxiety.
“There are a number of reasons why working for yourself can trigger anxiety,” says Rachel Doern, a senior lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London, who studies the cognition, emotions, and behaviors of self-employed people and business owners. “For one thing, entrepreneurs tend to work in uncertain, complex environments where time pressures are often…
