# Navigating My Self-Employment Journey: A Month of Lessons Learned
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Chapter 1: A Month in Self-Employment
It has been a month since I left my regular 9-to-5 job. The transition to self-employment is often described as both a challenge and a blessing, but I didn’t anticipate just how complicated it could be.
Setting aside the structured schedule I was accustomed to has proven quite daunting. Previously, I would dedicate my evenings to writing and reserve weekends for extensive work sessions. My routine allowed me to be productive—each morning, I would edit and submit my pieces promptly. That rhythm was effective for nearly a year, but now my time management feels chaotic, and I haven't written with the same consistency.
You might assume that having more free time would boost my productivity, but that hasn’t been my experience.
> “More time doesn’t guarantee more productivity.”
Over the last four weeks, I’ve found myself procrastinating more than I’d like to admit. I took too many days off. My boyfriend reassured me that adjusting to a new country can disrupt one's schedule, but I still feel I could have accomplished more. Without a defined routine, it’s easy to lose sight of priorities. I often wake up around 10 AM, chat briefly with my boyfriend, cook lunch, and suddenly, it’s 3 PM with little writing done.
I’m actively working to regain my focus, and I recognize that this sentiment is shared among many content creators, though some have effectively established systems to manage their time.
Section 1.1: The Challenge of Freedom
For two years, I longed for the day when I would no longer be directed by others. However, this newfound freedom can feel both liberating and constraining. I’ve often resented being overloaded with tasks while others claim to care about our mental well-being without acknowledging the burden they place on us.
This overwhelming feeling was a significant factor in my decision to leave the corporate world. Yet, I still struggle with self-discipline and goal-setting without anyone to provide feedback on my work. This newfound autonomy means the responsibility to succeed rests entirely on my shoulders.
Subsection 1.1.1: Financial Anxiety
As I tried to dismiss my financial concerns during the initial weeks, I realized that ignoring them only made them worse. I started to ask myself why I felt this way, as many others have shared similar feelings after leaving a traditional job.
Many writers and creators face the same anxiety about financial stability, especially when income can be unpredictable. The stress of wondering if I’ve made the right decision often overwhelms me, especially since I previously earned a comfortable salary.
The uncertainty surrounding finances is what truly unsettles us. We crave security, especially regarding money, which brings a sense of peace. It’s mentally exhausting to constantly strategize how to cover bills or increase earnings, but that’s the reality when you become your own boss.
Chapter 2: Embracing My New Life
The first video, "What It's Like Being Self Employed // My Thoughts After 1 Month," offers insights into the first month of self-employment and the lessons learned.
The second video, "A Raw Day in My Life Being Self Employed," provides a candid look at the daily life of a self-employed individual.
Every time I contemplate returning to a corporate job, I feel disheartened. Witnessing my boyfriend wake up early for meetings makes me appreciate my current lifestyle. The encouraging comments from peers and readers about my journey make me hesitant to seek a traditional job again.
While many claim that quitting your job will be liberating, it’s crucial to understand that life won’t suddenly become perfect. Mastering self-discipline and creating a schedule takes time. You must come to terms with the fact that no one will come to your aid if you fail—you are solely responsible for your success. So, be patient with yourself and trust the process.
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