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 - 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! Let's get social! Come say hello on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or sign up to my newsletter. This episode is sponsored by BeYou. Soothe period cramps the natural way with these 100% natural and discreet menthol and eucalyptus oil stick on patches and CBD range. Click here to find out more and to shop: https://beyouonline.co.uk/pages/how-it-works This episode is sponsored by my free “Endometriosis Symptom Tracker”. If you feel like you’re just in pain or tired all the time, and you can’t tell what’s making your endo better or worse, this 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. 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 Brendon Burchard’s podcast Amy Porterfield’s podcast Brain FM Lion’s Mane Cordyceps Headspace Meditation App