3 Reasons a Gig-Based Business Is a Perfect Solution for your mental health
Gig-based business opportunities are the perfect work set-up for various people. Parents find these beneficial because of a more flexible schedule. Seniors enjoy these since they can work from home and add to their income. And those with mental health disorders find that a remote work gig setup dovetails nicely with their emotional needs and circumstances.
People with mental health concerns need a positive work environment that is both supportive and encouraging. With a gig-based business, you are in control of your environment, schedule, and pace. Here, we’ll explore a few more of the reasons why this undertaking is a perfect solution in the hopes of enticing you to consider starting your own.
1 – Freelancing and Short-Term Work Provide Flexibility
Having more job flexibility is often the ultimate reason people are drawn to starting a gig-based business. People with mental health disorders especially benefit from having flexible work and an accommodating schedule. For example, work flexibility gives you the freedom to take a break when you need to, consistently attend support groups or counseling sessions, and see your doctor regularly.
According to Work Flexibility, flexible work options make it easier for you to manage your mental health and meet your self-care needs. Traditional work environments can lead to excessive stress and anxiety for employees with mental health disorders. Because of the strong connection between mental health and work-life, you need to control your hours and the number of projects you take on simultaneously. Flexible work options have been shown to reduce stress and improve quality of life while helping you remain productive.
That’s where the gig economy comes in. Short-term and freelancing work provide you with the freedom you need in setting your work hours and workload. You can also choose your clients, so you can avoid those who cause more stress and anxiety by changing deadlines, piling on more work than you agreed to complete, or failing to pay you promptly. You can also mix and match your jobs, especially if you use job sites to connect with those needing your specific skill set. From accounting to engineering to web development to virtual assistants, there are plenty of opportunities across industries when it comes to becoming a freelancer.
2 – There Are Numerous Tools Available to Help You Succeed
Another great reason to start a gig-based business is the variety of tools available to help you launch your venture to success. Even if you are not naturally organized, you can succeed with the right tools and stay stress-free.
First, find apps to stay organized and manage your workflow. Inc.com recommends 10 apps that will organize you for business, such as Evernote, Dropbox, and Venmo. It’s all too easy to become overwhelmed – and stressed and anxious, as a result – if you procrastinate or allow projects to pile up. Choosing user-friendly apps that work on your mobile devices and laptop and alert you to upcoming deadlines and work priorities are a must.
All freelancers need to have a system for invoicing clients, collecting payments, and monitoring taxable wages because they don’t have an employer completing those tasks. Some of the top invoicing apps for freelancers include Freshbooks, Wave, and PayPal Invoices. Using apps like these, especially those that send reminders and track your earnings, will eliminate some of the extra work and hassle involved in invoicing clients, and they can help keep your stress and anxiety to a minimum.
In addition to business-related apps, there are plenty of mental health apps to help you stay calm and relaxed from both a business and personal standpoint. The Mighty lists several mental health apps to try, all of which are recommended by those actually living with a mental health disorder. There are even apps and videos that walk you through relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation, and guided imagery.
3 – You Don’t Have to be a Whiz with Expenses
You may hesitate to start your own business because you’re worried about controlling expenses, but don’t let fear stop you from enjoying the benefits of the gig economy. A gig-based business is one of the easier ones you can track expenses for, which is a great reason to consider launching one. You won’t have as many expenditures as a traditional business owner, especially if you freelance or complete short-term work. By working from home, you will have fewer overhead expenses, and you’ll also save money and stress because you won’t need to commute. You’re able to work from the comfort of home without having to buy expensive workwear and lattes. Plus, the time you save by not having to commute or rush around in the morning to get to work can be used to start your day off with a long shower, nutritious breakfast, journaling session, or a walk to clear your mind before you start your work day.
If the idea of starting a gig-based business is both thrilling and completely terrifying, know that you’re not alone. It’s normal to feel significant anxiety when it comes to launching this type of venture. To help bolster your confidence and determine the best path for this new journey, consider turning to a career coach. The right career coach can teach you proven ways to reach your potential and set you up with the right toolset to navigate this exciting journey.
If you live with a mental health disorder, you can reduce your stress and anxiety by starting a gig-based business. You will achieve work flexibility that supports better mental health. You can – and should – also use tools to help manage your business and expenses to keep your stress and anxiety at bay.
