How to Handle a Serious Illness as a Freelancer

February 06, 2020

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If you are a self-employed freelancer, you will know only too well that if you don’t work, you won’t get paid. However, if you are dealing with a serious illness such as cancer, trying to work while undergoing treatment can be extremely challenging. Trying to stay on track with your work can take its toll, so here are a few tips to help you handle a serious illness as a freelancer.

Give Yourself Time to Heal

If you have a serious illness like cancer, you may have to undergo chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other routes such as natural treatment for liver cancer – all of which can be grueling on both your physical and mental health. It is therefore important that you give yourself plenty of time to rest and heal after treatment. It can be tempting to jump back into work right away, however, you may be doing more harm than good to your body. The last thing you want is to overdo it and work at full steam, so getting as much rest as you can, staying hydrated, and working at your own pace will help speed up the recovery process.

Let Clients Know Right Away

If you are sick, it’s important that you let your clients and customers know straight away. Freelancers rely on clients to provide work, so whether you’re late shipping a product, or you need extra time on a project, most people will be completely understanding of your situation, especially if you are dealing with a serious illness. Being honest and open with your clients can help strengthen relationships and increase the chances of repeat custom.

Have an Emergency Fund

If you wake up in the morning and find you’re not able to work, there are all sorts of questions and worries that will surround your brain, such as whether you can afford to pay your rent that month. No matter how well you’re able to manage your illness, it’s best to have some sort of financial backing behind you to give you peace of mind. Having an emergency fund in place will mean that you always have enough cash on hand to pay off any essential bills that you may have.

See Your Doctor

No matter your profession, it’s important that you have a strong support network around you during cancer treatment. It can be all too easy to shut yourself off from the outside world, but if things get too much, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor. Having someone to talk to can make all the difference and help you stay on track with your work as a freelancer. Your doctor may also be able to prescribe medication which can help with side effects from cancer treatment.

If you have a serious illness such as cancer, trying to keep on track with your work can be tough. There may be days where you simply cannot get out of bed, so it’s crucial that you have an emergency fund in place to keep you going through the dark times, and make sure to speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.