Of course, even some working folks don't get paid when they're sick. I found this post at the Anti 9 to 5 Guide. According to the post there are millions of US workers that don't get paid sick days either.
I've been very fortunate over the years that I've been freelancing to not get sick very often. I can only remember a couple of times that I've been sick for more than a day or two. Occasionally, I do get sick though, which can make working on my projects a struggle.
Currently, I've been fighting a bronchitis-like virus for about a week. (Yes, I know that it's starting to feel like spring in a lot of places, but apparently my immune system doesn't know it.) Unfortunately, this illness comes at a time of fairly heavy deadlines that I agreed to a month ago. I don't want to miss an obligation, so I've been working sick this week.
While I fully expect to recover, in the meantime working sick is not fun at all.
If it happens to you, then here are some tips to help you deal with it:
- Delegate. If you live with a spouse, partner, or other family member, then let them know your situation. Most family members will be willing to cover household chores for you while you get through this difficult time. (As I type this, my darling husband is cooking dinner - a task that would normally have been mine.)
- Lighten Your Workload. I've put a hold on starting new projects until I can get existing projects completed and until I feel better. This is hard to do because I have trouble saying "no" and because it may cause a gap in work when I finish my current projects. However, I need to lighten my workload so that I can heal and not sending out bids and proposals is one way to do that.
- See a Doctor. If you've been sick for a while and you don't seem to be getting any better, then you should see a doctor. There may be something that the doctor can prescribe to help you feel better. At the very least, the doctor can make sure that what you are suffering from is not serious.
- Rest. When you are sick, it's important to get enough rest. Make sure that you get enough rest at night so that your body can fight off your illness. Right now I'm spending my nights propped with lots of pillows so that I can sleep better.
- Allow Yourself More Time. If you're not feeling well, then it will probably take you longer to accomplish tasks than it would if you were not sick. Eliminate or put off unecessary tasks until you feel better.
- Negotiate. This is a stage that I hope not to get to, but sometimes it is necessary. If you've done everything in your power to meet your deadlines, but you're just too sick then you need to contact your client and negotiate a new deadline for yourself.
What about you? Have you been in this situation? How do you handle freelancing when you don't feel good?
Leave a comment and let us know.
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I don't get the sniffles, but when I get sick I am down for the count.
Number 1. is extremely important. Not just so you can get the rest you need and apply your energy to your work, but so you don't spread your germs. Do we really want a sickie putting their hands all over the food and house? I have an asthmatic husband, so it's especially important that I don't get him sick as well. If your spouse or kids get sick, it's going to be more work for you anyway :/
Posted by: Kali | April 27, 2008 7:36 AM | Permalink to Comment