A few weeks ago, when I asked my editor if I could write this piece, I presumed I was going to soon land an intriguing opportunity at a place I applied to. It’s been a month since that fated interview, nothing came of it. To say I was disappointed after isn’t untruthful; while we had a good meeting, the team-leads didn’t make me an offer. I had qualms about their work culture which, as it were, wasn’t rest-friendly. The job involved an exciting editorial profile – this, being the disclaimer: they work all through the week. Do you ever think that in the process of being asked to pour your heart into a job, there’s no equal emphasis on working conditions that consider your mental health?
Freelance Gigs Versus Full-time Jobs
Artwork by Stephanie Deangelis
I’ve been freelancing for the past 30 months now – Being your own boss has its delights; you’re reporting to no one but yourself (self-discipline’s a tricky thing, my friend), you learn how to work alone and better; negotiating with clients, however? Risky business, y’all! There are few clients who recognise your worth and respect your rates.
Mental Health x Work Culture
image credit: instagram.com/dtnart
I’ve been actively seeking out full-time opportunities since April of this year; up until now, I haven’t found anything suitable. There’s also this niggling thought at the back of my mind which chides, “You’ve been on your own for so long, now. You’ve learned to be mindful of your being and worth so why settle for a job that looks fantastic on paper but doesn’t foster a healthy work culture? Why apply to a place that doesn’t consider your temperament?” The last full-time job I held didn’t last long; I left within four months of working there – it’s till date, the shortest amount of time I’ve spent at a company. While the brand was well-known and the pay – excellent, I wasn’t happy, there; I felt unworthy of the position bestowed upon me, even the money wasn’t enough to make up for the pressures of work.
All in Favour of Freelance
image credit: instagram.com/giuseppe_cristiano
From January of 2016 until now, working on my own has been less formidable; I’ve been juggling my ‘passion projects’ alongside working with businesses on a part-time basis. I haven’t made as much money as I would’ve at a full-time job but these are the freedoms I enjoy: The peace of mind, and time to kick back and/or adopt new skills – I’ve been learning Spanish. ¡Sí!
Method to the Madness
image credit: instagram.com/adamjk
I would think that working in the creative industry (especially in fast-paced cities) requires individuals to take breaks from their professional routines, every now and then. – I don’t yet see the concept of ‘pauses’ or work-free weekends being supported by companies (new, and old).
Fighting the Good Fight
Artwork by Stephanie Deangelis
While we ought to talk more about this with our employers and peers – I realise that not many of you might be here for it. Deem me a weakling if you must but I tell you this, truly – I love creating/drawing/writing, but-but-but I’m not a bionic being (yet). I’d like to smell the roses and trees on my off-days; go to a coffee-shop and read a book and not worry about a constantly pinging phone. I deeply want for us all to know that balance is beautiful. Balance is key! ‘The’ keys to the kingdom, if you will.
About the author-
Deeply fond of black coffee, dawdling at bookstores and snail mail (receiving and sending) – Roanna Fernandes likes all things simple and somehow quaint. She hopes to open her own shop of curiosities, one day and fill it with all that she creates and curates.