Years ago, I left a creative agency where I loved the people but really hated the work. I went on to a creative agency where I loved the work but hated most of the people.
It sounds simplistic and of course it was a lot more nuanced than that, but when you really broke it down, that was it. And the second one was harder; it’s easier to move on from soul-crushing work than it is from soul-crushing people.
I decided freelancing would be the best option for me because I can choose work that I like and, after years of therapy, I like myself.
I decided I was better off this way, a lone wolf, I would walk the path of fulfilling work alone. It was a bloody long path, with many wrong turns, stumbling blocks and delays caused by on-going roadworks.
There’s no need for me to tell you how bonkers the past few years have been, and continue to be as we navigate a life with Covid. It will come as no surprise to you that throughout lockdowns and various safety measures, I began craving connection and I imagine you were the same in many respects. You hugged your loved ones just that little bit longer, appreciated a face to face coffee more than ever and vowed never to take a world without social distancing for granted again.
I didn’t expect this to translate into my work life.
When I met a fellow freelancer in my hometown, we started going to work together in a coffee shop. A few hours in the afternoon where we’d chat, drink too much caffeine and set a timer so we could actually get our work done. That was the beginning of a lifeline for me.
I began seeking out more coworking sessions and actively going out of my way to meet people online and in real life. Me. Little shy and nervous me who thinks networking is the spawn of the corporate devil. Now, I’ve joined groups and whole networks in a bid to increase my coworking cohort of fabulous female creatives.
Where I once convinced myself that I couldn’t work with other people again, it started to dawn on me that, actually, I just couldn’t work with people who were dicks. And wow, what a realisation. Who knew you could thrive when you cultivate a supportive and welcoming environment with people who behave like functioning adults?
My way of working doesn’t suit everybody but I do think it’s important to find the balance that’s right for you. Who knows what would’ve happened if there hadn’t been a global pandemic, but if it taught me anything it’s that connection can take many shapes but it should never be taken for granted.
I hope you find a way to bring more connection into your life, you might be surprised at how much you needed it.