Tactical Work: Using the Gig Economy to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

The rise of technology and the internet has made it easier than ever for people to find work outside of the traditional corporate structure. As such, the gig economy has grown exponentially. This is especially beneficial if you live with mental health disorders as working in the gig economy can offer relief from the stress-inducing issues that plague office culture. Read on for some pointers courtesy of Grace Psychiatry.

The Benefits

Working in these newly expanded conditions can have plenty of benefits regardless of whether you work remotely, freelance, or start a side hustle. Here are a few positives to consider:

Flexibility

The gig economy offers more flexible hours than traditional office work which can be a godsend if you suffer from anxiety or depression. The Rithm Blog notes that it allows you to work when you feel most productive and take breaks when needed. If you have difficulty managing your time, you’ll be able to structure your day in the way that works best for you.

It also means that you can schedule doctor’s appointments, school plays, and other important events. And since you can work from home, you can run loads of laundry and clean up between work responsibilities. Look for cleaning tips online to learn how to be efficient with your work and home to-do lists.

Location Independence

Skipping the daily commute can be a huge relief if you suffer from anxiety as dealing with traffic or public transport schedules can be a major trigger for panic attacks. It can also help with depression or executive dysfunction, as it frees up time that would otherwise be spent traveling. And if you’re looking for a house to rent, there are plenty of options out there, including 240 in Baltimore alone. Check prices as well as amenities and the neighborhoods they are in to find the best fit for you.

Freedom From Office Politics

Office politics can be a major source of stress for everyone, but it’s especially challenging if you’re coping with mental health disorders. Most often, remote jobs involve communication on virtual platforms with very few in-person meetings. This limits the potential for disagreements and issues between coworkers.

Control

Because the gig economy gives you the freedom to choose the projects you feel most comfortable with and enthusiastic about, you don’t have to worry about being stuck with work that drains you mentally. This goes a long way towards keeping yourself in good spirits and avoiding triggers.

Earning Potential

In the gig economy, you are paid for each completed project, so there’s a lot more earning potential. PsychCentral points out that this can seriously improve your mental health because the prospect of increased financial stability can be a powerful motivator.

Types of Side Gigs

●       Freelance writing: This is a great option if you have strong communication skills. You can choose a subset that best suits your personality and mental health needs.

●       Virtual assistance: If you’re organized and detail-oriented, you could offer clients assistance with scheduling appointments and managing email accounts. You can also offer social media management to businesses or individuals.

●       Graphic design: Graphic design is a good choice for those who have strong visual communication skills, as you’ll need to create visual content for businesses or individuals, including logos, website designs, and marketing materials.

●       Event planning: If you’re methodical and capable of supervising multiple projects, event planning can be very fulfilling. Event planners are responsible for coordinating all aspects of events, such as weddings, parties, and conferences.

Finding Work

There are diverse ways to pursue options in the gig economy. Here are a few of the most popular ones.

Start a Freelance Business

Operating under a registered business can often increase your chances of securing contracts, as clients will have more confidence in your abilities. Register as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) for flexibility, tax advantages, and limited personal liability. Be sure to research how to start an LLC in D.C.  or your local area and work with an experienced formation service.

Using a formation service is an affordable and efficient way to ensure all the forms are accurately submitted on time. It’s a good idea to go online to research what many people consider to be the best LLC service, based on not just price but the availability of online services like annual filing.

Use Online Platforms

There are a variety of online platforms that allow gig workers to connect with clients, such as Upwork, Fiverr, and TaskRabbit. These platforms are a fantastic way to find work, as they allow you to browse through a variety of different gigs and choose the ones that best help you maintain your mental health.

Market Your Services

Create a website or blog to highlight your portfolio and use social media to reach out to potential clients. Let your friends and family know that you are looking for work and ask if they know of any businesses or individuals who might need your services. Marketing efforts, as well as having the right software and hardware, often require startup funds, so investigate all your lending options. Achieving and maintaining a good or excellent credit score is essential in this regard because those lending to small businesses must have some reassurance that your risk is low, and your earning potential is high.

Make Your Work Work for You!

Being conscious of the kind of work that affects your mental health is a vital way of limiting stress. By evaluating your skills and talents, you can find a gig that more aptly suits your personal and mental health requirements.

Grace Psychiatry is here to help you bring a little peace back into your life. Click here to schedule an appointment.

This article courtesy of Jennifer McGregor.