Mental health disorders can make it difficult to maintain a full-time job in a traditional work environment. Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, or any other kind of debilitating mental condition, becoming your own boss could be a great solution! Joining the gig economy by pursuing freelance employment will give you the flexibility to establish a daily structure and work environment that best fits your needs. Here’s how gig work can benefit you, as well as how to launch your own freelance business!
The eMoods moods tracking app can be a valuable tool for monitoring your mental health as you pursue work in the gig economy. Use the app for insights into mood patterns and triggers to help you take control of your wellbeing!
Less Stress
Work stress only exacerbates mental health symptoms. In fact, chronic stress from work can increase your risk of developing a mental health condition in the first place. One of the great benefits of joining the gig economy and working from home is the ability to reduce your daily stress levels. Joining the gig economy means no more frustrating commute, upsetting workplace politics, or managers breathing down your neck. While gig work comes with some stress, you have the control to take on responsibilities that you feel are worth it and leave the others at the door.
More Flexibility
Similarly, working as a freelancer gives you the flexibility to choose how you work, when you work, and the type of work you do. This makes it easy to accommodate responsibilities in your personal life, like taking care of kids, without adding unnecessary stress to your daily routine. It could help to take time off for doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, self-care breaks, or mini-vacations. Working from home gives you the flexibility to manage your mental health symptoms in a way that works best for you.
A Boost in Self-Esteem
Working a dead-end job is not conducive to good mental health. If you feel like you’re just wasting your time while lining the pockets of your employer, you’re going to feel unmotivated and depressed no matter what steps you take to improve your mood. Launching your own freelance career is your chance to take ownership over your potential, control your income, and pursue your passions. Gig work can be much more fulfilling than working in a traditional office.
Getting Started
There are countless different ways to join the gig economy. Some jobs require more upfront work and costs than others, so consider your available resources before starting a new venture. If you’re looking for something easy and affordable, try launching a service-based business online. Freelance writing, graphic design, web development, marketing, consulting, and social media management are all viable options.
Just make sure you plan ahead for tax season and get all of your legal ducks in a row from day one. You may want to form an LLC to shield yourself from personal liability and provide some peace of mind. LLCs also enjoy some great tax advantages without the hefty paperwork requirements of a corporation. Use an online business formation service to file your business documents online. Check out the Zen Business contact page to learn more!
Handling Stress in the Gig Economy
While working in the gig economy can be beneficial for those with mental health conditions, the work does come with its fair share of stress. Healthline explains that unrealistic expectations and money stress can cause mental strain, especially in the beginning. You will have to work really hard to get to a point where you’re making a living income with your freelance job. If you’re up for the challenge, you will get there eventually. Learn to enjoy the grind, get comfortable with imposter syndrome, and remember that you have to leave your comfort zone to get where you want to be.
Joining the gig economy is a great way to take control of your life. For someone with a mental health disorder, this move will offer all kinds of wonderful benefits. Launching a career as a freelancer will put you in the driver’s seat, enabling you to earn money doing something you love without the stress of a traditional job.
Courtney Rosenfeld of Gig Spark is a guest poster for eMoods.
Photo via Pexels