Strategies for Navigating Independent Contracting Work and Personal Life as a Woman
As an independent contractor, it’s essential to be vigilant about the environments you choose to work in. While one of the major benefits of working for yourself is the freedom to select your clients and projects, not all opportunities are created equal, and some may lead you into toxic work environments that can negatively impact you. The good thing is, you’re independent so you’re free to make the decision regarding how you handle the situation. I have been fortunate enough to avoid highly toxic environments, but I’ve had my fair share. Here are some things to keep an eye on when working for a client.
1. Establishing Clear Boundaries
Establishing clear boundaries between professional pursuits and personal life is always important. It entails defining specific working hours and allocating dedicated spaces for work-related tasks. Communicating these boundaries to clients and colleagues serves to manage expectations. In other words, respect your time and others will respect you for it. Now I’m not going to say this is an easy feat, there will be times when you will work longer than you’d like – deadlines have to be met, people are taking forever to get back to you etc, however try and manage your time so that these are few and far between. One of the practical methods I tend to use is to block out my diary before and after the end of the work day.
2. Make Self-care Non-negotiable
If you’re not looking after your health (and I mean mental as well as physical health), then you’re unlikely to perform your best. Scheduling regular breaks throughout the day facilitates recharging and rejuvenation. Personally, I find this a little hard to do, especially when I’m ‘in the zone’ so I set an alarm on my phone to remind me, or you can download an app such as Stand Up! if that’s your thing. Try and incorporate activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or other hobbies, these things are like food for the brain – you’ll thank yourself for it!
3. Delegate
Acknowledging that you don’t have to shoulder all responsibilities. Delegating tasks, both professionally and personally, helps alleviate the burden and creates room for activities that hold significant value. Whether it involves outsourcing administrative duties at work or seeking assistance with household chores, embracing delegation will reduce your stress levels and creates a better balance.
4. Recognise Time Efficiences
Efficient time management emerges as a cornerstone for balancing multiple responsibilities effectively. Using tools such as calendars, task lists, and time-tracking apps helps in prioritising tasks, setting realistic deadlines, and allocating time for both work and personal life. Exercising discernment in commitments and mastering the art of JSN (Just Say No) when necessary, becomes imperative.
5. Learn To Be Flexible
Nimble up because as a contractor, this is one of our advantages and one of the things a lot of clients will expect from us. In this case though, embracing flexibility means structuring your daily schedule to accommodate personal commitments. Training your mind to adapt and allowing yourself the liberty to pivot and adjust as circumstances change highlights the value of flexibility in achieving equilibrium.
6. Surround Yourself with a Supportive Network
Surround yourself with a supportive network comprising of colleagues, friends, and family who empathise with the challenges of balancing work and personal life is also important. Drawing on their encouragement, advice, and assistance encourages a sense of solidarity and empowerment.
7. Guarding Against the Pitfalls Of Perfectionism
Guarding against the pitfalls of perfectionism involves setting realistic expectations. A lot of us do not do this enough. It’s important to recognise that balance entails finding harmony amidst competing priorities rather than striving for perfection by trying to do it all. Please be kind to yourself, take a moment and celebrate incremental victories along the way. This is really important when maintaining a balanced perspective.
8. Investing in Professional Development
Investing in professional development is a strategic way to enhance skills and broaden opportunities generally, but particularly in contracting. Pursuing relevant training, certifications, or networking opportunities aligned with your career aspirations contributes not only to professional improvement, but also personal growth and fulfilment.
9. Adopting a Holistic Approach
Adopting a holistic approach to integrating work and personal life involves surpassing rigid boundaries. Finding ways to infuse elements of personal life into the workday, whether through breaks spent with loved ones or pursuing passion projects alongside contracting work, fosters a sense of harmony and fulfilment.
10. Celebrating Achievements
Celebrating achievements, I alluded to this one in point 7 but I think it’s worth another mention/ Celebrating achievements both significant and trivial, represents a vital aspect of the contractor life. Acknowledging progress made in attaining balance and honouring accomplishments along the way bolsters morale and reinforces commitment to maintaining a healthy equilibrium between work and personal life.
All in all, navigating the delicate balance between independent contracting work and personal life as a woman necessitates intentional effort, self-awareness, and a dedication to self-care. By implementing these strategies and prioritising balance, cultivating a fulfilling and sustaining lifestyle, and honouring both professional aspirations and personal well-being, a well-rounded work/life balance becomes achievable.
