Personal Crisis as a Freelancer Cont.......

Tips for Handling a Personal Crisis as a Freelancer

I think the most important thing is to evaluate the crisis - determine how major the event is in your life. When you make your own schedule, it is so easy to let a small crisis turn into a major event. Then again, if you are facing deadlines, you may not feel you can take the time you need to deal with a major event.

For many, the path they have chosen for their freelance career has always served as an outlet for them. Thus, writing, drawing, doing graphics - whatever your pleasure - can do more to help you heal than taking a break.

Here are a few ways that help me face a crisis:

1. Take one moment at a time. When facing a crisis, each moment can be drastically different. One minute, you might feel okay - the next, you might feel overwhelmed. Make the best of the moments in which you feel you can handle your work.

2. Take a break if you need to. Rather than push yourself when the creative juices are not flowing, take a few minutes (15, 30, an hour) and do something that relaxes you - or something that excites you. Take a walk with your kids, swim a few laps in the pool, relax in a hot bath.

3. Determine your obligations and make arrangements if you can't meet them. One of the most important aspects of working as a freelancer is keeping your word. If you find that a personal crisis will keep you from completing an assignment, get in touch with your client as soon as you can and explain the situation - although, this step should only be taken for a major event.

4. Find a support group. Many people who work freelance find that there is not a lot of support from family and friends. The reason is because most people don't understand making a living from home - that is just not the norm. Just as people overcoming drinking or drug problems or people trying to quit smoking or lose weight have found, a support group of like-minded individuals can go a long way in helping you to overcome both personal and professional crises.

5. Do your best. That's all any of us can do anyway. Just do the best that you can - and lean on your friends when you need to. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Ok, that's what I've come up with! If anyone else has any other ideas or tips, please feel free to leave a comment.

Later,

Cindy