My web design career began in 1996. I worked in a traditional office setting for a few years before starting my freelance business in 1999. So, yeah, it’s been a long time since I worked outside my home.
The office experiences I had motivated me to work for myself. Looking back, there are a few things that stand out:
- I usually had a better computer at home than anything in my employer’s office.
- Some of the bosses I had didn’t understand the web very well. One even blew it off as a waste of time.
- The pay-to-stress ratio was terrible. I made near minimum wage with little room for growth. The environments were often chaotic and demanding.
I was 21 and convinced I knew better than the people I worked for. I also had no idea of the responsibility required to run a business. But I found a few good clients and blew wherever the wind took me. Ignorance truly was bliss! 😁
I have had a few opportunities to join other companies over the years. A few agency clients offered to either hire me or acquire my freelance business. I’ve always said no.
I have collaborated with a few fellow freelancers but haven’t hired an employee.
Why? I think it stems from my personality. I’m always friendly and enjoy talking with people, but I’m an introvert at heart. I do my best work when alone in front of a screen.
I’m also a very self-reliant person. I like the control that doing it myself provides. Being an employee doesn’t appeal to me because I don’t want to put my fate in someone else’s hands. The layoffs we see in the tech industry reaffirm this belief. Loyalty is a one-way street with big companies.
Sure, I rely on clients for gigs and money. The freedom to choose who I work with is still appealing, though. I can choose projects that fit my specialty. That’s not to say every choice was a good one. 🤣
What I Miss: A Team Atmosphere
The one aspect of office life I miss (such as it was in the late 1990s) is being part of a team. I had some wonderful co-workers. We developed friendships that lasted beyond our time working together. A few great folks served as mentors. I had fun and learned a lot.
You don’t develop such relationships while working alone. I’ve found camaraderie in the WordPress community, but in-person events aren’t as numerous these days. Social media’s chaotic landscape is no substitute.
As an introvert, I’m not a fan of local business meetups. I feel too much pressure to put on a show. Not to mention fending off all the sales pitches.
It has taken time to get used to the isolation of freelancing. However, 25+ years have made me something of a pro. That’s why the pandemic lockdowns didn’t have a huge impact on me. The hardest part was watching the effect they had on others.
Still, there are times when I miss having an office friend to eat lunch or goof off with. Those were good times!
What It Means to Do Things Your Way
Being a solo entrepreneur is an opportunity to do things your way. For instance, you aren’t stuck with the tools your employer forces you to use. You can pick whatever works best for your needs.
That freedom extends to your work environment. You can make your space whatever you want it to be. Decorate it to your heart’s content. Listen to loud music (as long as it doesn’t bother your housemates). Get up and make coffee when you feel the need.
I’ve never been a conformist. And there’s no one “right” way to work from home. Thus, I’ve created a place that helps me get things done in relative comfort. It reflects my personality and keeps me motivated.
Doing things your way comes with an extra burden of responsibility, though. It requires enough self-discipline to meet project goals and avoid distractions.
Client expectations can also be different. Some will expect you to be available 24/7. I’ve learned to set boundaries, but it took years. And I still fail on occasion.
Overall, I believe it’s the best formula for me. I can’t see myself moving back to office life. Besides, the dog and cat would miss me too much.