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- One common problem in the freelance community that people seldom talk about
One common problem in the freelance community that people seldom talk about
Spread awareness because you can make a difference
Freelancer: "Fred, are you busy?"
Me: "Oh, hi. How are you?" No, why?"
That was the start of a lengthy conversation with a fellow freelancer.
And one I will never forget.
So, today, I want you to picture yourself working 8 hours daily, hoping your client will pay you when all the deliverables are completed. You're all over the place. You promised your child you would buy her favorite toy. You told your friend you would pay your debt once you received your salary.
When the weekend arrives, you're ecstatic—expecting your client to send your salary. But your client didn't show up. 😔
It's no secret people get excited every payday.
It's the most sought-after day for freelancers, even in the corporate world. People want to reward themselves for working so hard.
But one of the many battles freelancers face is the possibility of you not getting paid. And each battle is won or lost on the day you expect it the most.
It gets even worst when your client no longer replies to your messages. No longer fulfilling the promise you believe s/he will make.
And it's one of the reasons why some freelancers get depressed.
This is a sad truth freelancers don't often talk about.
There are a lot of factors triggering depression among our fellow freelancers.
These are:
‣ Difficulty addressing their personal needs‣ Slow internet Laptop / PC issues‣ Lack of self-confidence‣ Monetary problems‣ Relationship issues‣ Self-comparison‣ Lack of identity‣ Belongingness‣ Lack support‣ Isolation
I could go and on and on. Every freelancer experiences depression at some point. And you can't ignore it.
Every day someone out there is suffering. Annoyed, irritated, and sad but can't express it because they know they have to work. They have to follow their schedule and meet the demands of their client.
They keep it.
Pretend they're okay until all these little things add up, and they can't bear them anymore.
But do you know those who suffer from depression always provide a hint?
They post on Facebook. Drop a line on group chats in which they will feel alone and ignored if you're not sensitive to these signs.
So next time you ask someone if everything is alright, they answer, "I am okay." Ask again. There's more truth beyond being okay. Each HAHAHAHAHA vs. hahahahaha has a different meaning.
Let me ask you this: when was the last time you talked to a fellow freelancer?
What did you talk about?
Did you even manage to ask how their family was? Or how their relationship with their clients? Or a much better question is, "What are you doing now to improve your skills?"
These questions will trigger a lot of different answers.
But be ready. Those who suffer from depression will deny it. They will not admit they're undergoing tremendous stress.
So, engage in a healthy conversation.Show empathy. Listen to the words they say. Stop talking about other people.
ONE GOLDEN RULE: avoid people who talk about other people negatively. Because sooner or later, they're the same people who will talk about you.
And depressed people are sensitive to these types of conversations. The same reason why they're hesitant to share what's going on in their life.
Next time you talk to someone,
➼ Be sensitive to what the person is saying.➼ Be accountable.➼ Be available.➼ Listen.
I guess what I am trying to say is to start your day by asking, "What can I do to help someone today?"
We're part of a huge community.
And each of us has a responsibility to every member.
Make your word count.
Let's fight depression today.
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