EP.60/ Going Self-Employed with Endometriosis: Why I Did It, The Highs and Lows and My Tips Two Years In
Two years ago I went self-employed to help manage my endometriosis. Employment just wasn’t working for me.
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I had been signed off from work, I was struggling to explain the impact endometriosis was having on my mental health to my boss and in short, I simply felt unable to work. It felt like the normal 9-5 work system was just not set up for people like me. People who had low energy, whose health seemed to vary from day to day, whose needs changed hourly, whose mental health was unpredictable and vulnerable.
I found myself in a very difficult and painful decision, but I made the jump and went freelance as a writer and content creator. It was a terrifying time, but also a freeing one and a decision I would never change.
But that decision hasn’t come without its sacrifices. There was the pay cut, but there’s also the very unique challenges that come with being self-employed, which are often heightened by the challenges of endometriosis. I’ve spent two years navigating these - from no longer having sick pay or holiday pay, to having to work extra hours, to creating work-life boundaries, to being lonely, supporting my mental health and working through endometriosis brain fog and fatigue.
It’s admittedly a whole lot easier working for myself. It’s not for everyone, but I’ve found that I’ve managed to keep on top of my anxiety and symptoms, and I’ve seen my productivity soar as I’ve nurtured my skills whilst tending to my needs in a safe environment. Yet I’ve also had to work very hard to manage the difficulties that a self-employed endometriosis warrior faces. So in this episode, I’m exploring going self-employed for endometriosis, and diving into what life can be like for a business owner, entrepreneur or freelancer and the unique challenges they can face when journeying down this road with endo. Whilst this episode is about working for yourself, I do think the tips that I share are applicable to everyone, whether self-employed or employed, so I think it’s worth having a listen whatever your situation!
Show Notes
Rise Podcast ep 92: How To Be Successful in Business Without Compromising Your Health
Goal Digger Podcast ep 298: The Secret to Rest and Why It’ll Make Your Business Better
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My cookbook This EndoLife, It Starts with Breakfast is out now! Get 28 anti-inflammatory, hormone friendly recipes for living and thriving with endometriosis. Order your copy here.
If you feel like you need more support with managing endometriosis, you can join Your EndoLife Coaching Programme. A 1-to-1 three month health and life coaching programme to help you thrive with endometriosis. To find out more about the programme and to discuss whether it could be right for you, email me at hello@thisendolife.com or visit my website.
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My free guide ‘Managing Endometriosis Naturally’ is perfect for anyone just starting out on this journey of managing and reducing their symptoms. Download here.
My free Endometriosis Diet Grocery List is a pdf list that includes all the foods I buy on a monthly basis, categorised into easy sections. I share my personal endometriosis diet plan, free recipe resources, recommendations to help you get started with the endometriosis diet and nutrition tips. Download here.
My free “Endometriosis Symptom Tracker” could help you begin to understand the subtle patterns in your endometriosis symptoms. As always, this guide doesn’t replace your medical treatment and is not intended to treat or cure endometriosis, but provides you with options that helped me to live well with endometriosis. Download here.