The way people work is quickly evolving in the age of the internet of everything. No longer are individuals tied to hierarchical corporations or subjected to the laws of the ladder. New opportunities are rising for brave and adaptable talent willing to take the risk of autonomy. A new generation of technologically savvy, wifi-connected contractors are changing the work environment. This new reality can be exciting and full of opportunity, but it also presents challenges for loved ones who are closest to the newly independent nontraditional careerists.
Anyone who has worked as a freelancer, contractor, temporary worker or some other form of unattached accomplice to the workplace can testify to the challenges of building a career without a sound security blanket. Working from day to day with the faith that solid and consistent performance will pay off and provide the satisfaction of being a free agent can become unnerving at times. Bonus checks don't come around on the holidays, no one is paying for sick leave or holidays. Freelancers can quickly feel like it's them against the world. The constant search for referrals, consistent work and maintaining a network can be draining for spouses and partners who rely on the income to help pay the bills.
I reached out to Andrea Wetzel, founder of Wetzel Creative LLC for her take on this subject. "Leaving a great job to start a freelance career was one of the scariest things I've ever done. It meant letting go of security, coworkers and scariest of all, needing to ask for help. Fortunately, my fiancé Eric always had my back even while I voiced the downsides of irregular payments, unforeseen business expenses, taxes, lack of social interaction and long hours. His support and confidence allowed me to leap into a field where I can grow and develop while creating work that I am proud of. Plus, you can't beat the commute and the coffee here is great."
Those with the drive and talent who dream about throwing off their corporate lifestyle should consider the emotions and mental pressures such a move will place upon their spouses, partners and dependents. Ideally, in a two-person household one brings home the bacon and the other is free to provide income for discretionary spending. However, this hasn't been the reality of most American homes for half-a-century.
Here are a few things to do before stepping out into the wilderness of the independent contractor.
- Talk about each other's expectations. Explain your deep need to find personal fulfillment in an independent career and listen to one another's fears without judgment or instant disregard.
- Make a game plan with a timeframe to meet small objectives. How many connections have you made? How many can you expect to make in a month's time? When will you make your first $500? $1,000? Where are potential sources of income?
- Verbally commit to your partner with the same determination that you've committed to being independent.
- Try contracting part-time before handing in your two-week notice. Give yourself an opportunity to adjust to the new work. You want to know that you enjoy your new field and can be efficient before going full-time.
- If possible, cut your household overhead and save three to six months' worth of living expenses.
Remember to have patience with yourself and with your loved ones. Being your own boss can be extremely rewarding and provides its own set of unique opportunities, but the road to success is paved with many failures. So be kind to yourself, be nice to your spouse even when the rent is almost due and most importantly, have fun with the extra time (and income) that independent work can provide.