The negative side of being freelance

Sonja Tomaskovic wrote:

So what you are essentially saying is that you feel guilty because others work 9-5, 5 days a week (or more), and you don't?

What I am wondering is whether there is any specific person out there that does what you describe (working 9-5), and that you are related to in any way (spouse, partner, good friend, relative, etc.), and who might be envious that you actually have that freedom.

I have been freelancing for many years now, and I can tell you that part of being a freelancer is having the freedom to choose whether or not to work (if you have a lot of job offers then you are more likely to work a lot, if you have less, well, then you work less), from where to work and when to work. For me that is the beauty of the job. I don't feel guilty about it, I am actually very happy that I have a choice.

From what you write, it seems to me that you are not so happy with the fact that you have a lot of freedom now, even to the point where you feel guilty and... well, unhappy.

What I would ask myself in your situation is why I am actually so concerned about others not having the same independence, and if there is someone special who might feel "offended" by my working conditions.

Good luck,

Sonja

picko924 wrote:
I have been working as a freelance interpreter for about 9 months now and so far so good. I have identified certain busy months and this is when I tend to make the bulk of my income, I am quite confident that things are going well and I am making good money.

....during the quieter months (like now for example- I feel terribly frustrated and guilty because I have very little to do).

I always consider translation/part time/voluntary work, doing a course, taking up hobbies, going on holiday etc. but this is not always possible due to circumstances, money etc.