I've seen a few people manage it pretty well, actually. One friend kept her day job and ran a small Etsy shop on weekends—she said it helped keep her passion fresh without the pressure of needing it to pay bills. Maybe burnout depends more on how intense you make it?
"Maybe burnout depends more on how intense you make it?"
This rings true for me. I refinanced my house last year and started freelancing evenings to cover extra payments. It worked fine, but once I ramped up hours chasing bigger goals, burnout hit fast. Intensity definitely matters.
Intensity matters, sure, but isn't it also about control and choice? Like, freelancing on top of a full-time gig sounds exhausting because you're juggling two completely different demands. But if you switched entirely to freelancing or your dream job, wouldn't you have more say over your workload and schedule? Maybe burnout isn't just about intensity, but also about feeling trapped or lacking control...
"Maybe burnout isn't just about intensity, but also about feeling trapped or lacking control..."
True, but I'd caution against assuming freelancing automatically equals more control. Speaking from experience, freelancing can sometimes mean trading one boss for multiple demanding clients—each with their own expectations and deadlines. Sure, you set your schedule, but you're also constantly hustling to secure projects and manage finances...which can feel just as draining. Stability has its perks, especially if you have financial commitments like a mortgage or family responsibilities.
Good points here. Freelancing definitely isn't the magic bullet some people make it out to be. A few things I've noticed from my own experience and seeing clients navigate career shifts:
- Stability isn't just about money—it's also about predictability. Knowing exactly what's coming in each month can reduce stress significantly, especially if you've got fixed expenses like a mortgage or childcare.
- Freelancing income can fluctuate wildly, making budgeting and financial planning tricky. Banks often prefer stable employment when you're applying for loans or refinancing, so that's something to keep in mind.
- On the flip side, burnout can happen even in stable jobs if you feel stuck or undervalued. Sometimes a change—even a risky one—can reignite motivation and energy.
I'd say it's less about freelancing vs. employment and more about aligning your work with your personal priorities and risk tolerance. Maybe there's a middle ground—like starting a side gig first to test the waters before fully jumping ship?
