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There is no denying that working has become an increasingly dangerous activity, regardless of your career choice. Indeed, while some industry sectors are famous for high risks of accidents and injuries on site, such as the building sector, no professional is genuinely safe.

Indeed, the first killer in the workplace is not poor H&S regulations or careless managers; but it is stress. Stress can silently eat its way into your heart, your mind and your lifestyle. As a result, it claims numerous victims every day, from cardiovascular diseases, cancer, depression and even PTSD disorders. Stress is everywhere and can affect anyone. While employees can choose to quit their job and look for a friendlier employment option, for freelancers stress is a day-to-day challenge.

Indeed, when you’re on your own, you worry a lot about a lot of things. First of all, your financial stability is always at stake. Your ability to remain relevant in an evolving market is crucial, and there is no guarantee that the skills of today will make the success of tomorrow. And finally, freelancers are often lonely; and loneliness is your worst enemy. How can you, as a freelance professional, maintain your sanity and enjoy your career?

It’s simple. You need a growth plan that focuses on your core weaknesses: Finances, self-development and networking.

Understand how to maximize your revenues

When you spend all your waking hours working to keep your business afloat, it can be difficult to build effective money-generating strategies. With barely enough time to think, most freelancers are stuck in a loop of deadlines and administrative tasks. But give yourself some relief by looking into helpful materials, such as this podcast which is worth listening to if you want to find out how to multiply your service business revenues by 10 (or more). Ultimately, you need to understand that you get to set the rules of your business; instead of letting your clients decide. When you begin by establishing the standards for your ideal customer, you can drive huge benefits from your core product or service.

No more boss to give you petty jobs

Of course, there’s no better feeling than not having to deal with your grumpy boss in the morning. You decide what you do, and you don’t have to worry about management issue. In a sense, removing the boss obstacle can be a source of stress, as it leaves you uncertain of what to do and whom to please. But you can keep the uncertainty at bay by dedicating your free time to learning new skills and practices. You can explore trends while leaving menial tasks to an outsourcing facility.

Alone but never lonely

Freelancers often struggle with isolation. Working from home might be exciting, but you sometimes need human input to test your idea or just feel connected to others. But where can you find a friend in your home office? Co-working spaces offer the perfect combination of a collaborative environment with plenty of positive interactions and boundaries to protect your work and your peace. For freelancers, this is the occasion of exchanging ideas, developing a professional mindset and being surrounded by same-minded people.

In conclusion, freelancers have to deal with new forms of stress that relates to their financial, professional and emotional stability. To make the most of your creative freedom, you have to start your independent journey with a solid self-growth strategy.