Hello, dear readers! Ever felt the itch to step off the beaten path and carve out a niche for yourself? That’s precisely what I did when I decided to venture into the world of freelancing, all while managing the quirks and challenges of ADHD. The freelance landscape is vast, filled with opportunities and pitfalls alike. And when you add ADHD into the mix, it’s like adding a dash of spice to an already flavorful dish. Over the past year, I’ve experienced the highs and lows, the triumphs and the trials, of being an SEO specialist in this dynamic environment. If you’re curious about what it’s like to dance to your own tune, all while keeping ADHD in check, then stick around. I’ve got quite the tale to tell!
The Challenges I Faced
Repetition is a Bore
You know that feeling when you’re watching a movie, and it feels like you’ve seen the same scene over and over again? That’s how repetitive tasks feel to me. Many neurodivergent folks can resonate with this sentiment. The same tasks, day in and day out can be mentally draining. It’s not about the difficulty level; it’s the monotony that’s the real challenge. Every time I found myself doing the same task, my mind would wander, seeking something new and exciting.
Feedback? Ouch!
It can be incredibly challenging to receive feedback, especially when you have put so much effort into a project. When you combine this with ADHD, the way feedback is processed can feel even more intense. It’s important to remember that this reaction is not because of any personal flaw, but rather a different way your brain processes information.
Time Management Woes
Picture this: a vast expanse of time with no boundaries. Sounds liberating? Well, not for me. Without a set schedule, my days and nights merged, leading to erratic work hours. The freedom to work anytime quickly turned into procrastination. I’d often find myself working at odd hours, leading to a disrupted sleep cycle and overall imbalance in life.
Here are a couple of tips to help you maintain focus and productivity:
- Avoid jumping from task to task: It takes an average of 25 minutes to return to focus on a task once interrupted. Instead of following a set schedule for each task or client, try to finish one task before moving on to the next. If a task is complex, break it down into stages and complete them one by one.
- Establish a structured workflow: Setting a stage for each task can help you stay organized and focused. Divide complex tasks into smaller, manageable stages, and complete them in sequential order. This approach can help prevent overwhelm and ensure steady progress towards your goals.
Client Fatigue
Building relationships with clients is crucial in freelancing. And while I genuinely wanted to maintain long-term collaborations, the tasks started feeling mundane after a while. It wasn’t about the clients; they were fantastic. It was the nature of the tasks. The initial excitement would wane, and I’d find myself seeking new challenges.
The Job Application High
On the brighter side, applying for new gigs became my adrenaline rush. Every acceptance, every thumbs up, felt like a victory. But like all highs, it had its downsides. The constant need for validation, the chase for that dopamine hit, wasn’t healthy in the long run.
Coping Mechanisms: What Worked for Me
Exploring Alternatives to ADHD Meds
With traditional ADHD meds being scarce in the Philippines, I ventured into alternatives. Enter lion’s mane. While it’s no magic bullet, it did offer some relief. The mornings felt more energetic, and more focused. But remember, it’s essential to do thorough research before trying any alternative.
Morning Rituals for the Win
To combat my unpredictable work routine, I introduced a morning ritual. Think of it as a starter gun for a race. A specific song, coupled with daily affirmations, signaled the beginning of my workday. It created a sense of routine, a semblance of order in the chaos.
Reframe The Feedback
Trying to rewire your brain and change your perspective is a commendable goal. It may take time and effort, but it is possible to develop a more positive mindset towards feedback. One strategy you can try is reframing feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Instead of seeing it as a blow to your self-esteem, view it as valuable input that can help you enhance your work.
Be Choosy in Your Clients (Do It For Yourself)
To overcome the feeling of suffering from mundane tasks, it is important to find a client who best suits your needs and preferences. If you’re planning to work for the long term and you’re working for your family, might as well find a client that you can happily work with every day. In my personal experience, I have found that working with a client who provides proper feedback, both positive and negative, has been extremely beneficial. The balance of receiving praise and constructive criticism has helped keep me motivated and engaged in the work. By finding a client who understands and appreciates your skills, and who actively communicates with you, you can maintain long-term collaborations that continue to challenge and excite you. This has allowed me to stay with my current client for more than a year and counting.
Dress for Success (and Fitness)
Ever heard of the saying, “Dress for the job you want”? I tweaked it to “Dress for the workout you want.” Wearing workout clothes served as a constant reminder to squeeze in some exercise. It’s a small trick, but it made a world of difference.
Tech to the Rescue
In this digital age, why not use technology to our advantage? I gave the Owaves app a shot to help with scheduling. While I didn’t always stick to it, it provided a visual representation of my day, helping me stay on track.
Upskilling During Downtime
Instead of succumbing to the lows, I channeled my energy into learning. Acquiring new skills not only kept me engaged but also added value to my profile. It’s like turning downtime into investment time, ensuring better returns in the future.
Overcoming the Scarcity Mindset
The freelancing market is vast. Realizing this helped me overcome the fear of losing clients. With every client, I gained new insights, which I leveraged to demand better rates. But a word of caution: this approach might not suit everyone, especially those on platforms that track job history.
SEO Hobby Projects
For my fellow SEO enthusiasts with ADHD, here’s a fun tip: build your own websites. Think of it as a pet project. It’s engaging, and the traffic boost can be quite rewarding. Plus, once you’re done, you can always sell it and start a new one!
Separate Work and Rest Spaces
Last but not least, the importance of physical boundaries. By moving my workstation out of my bedroom, I created a clear distinction between work and rest. It’s a simple change, but it made a world of difference in my mental well-being.
Closing Thoughts
So, that’s a wrap on my year as a freelancer with ADHD. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, challenges, and growth. While I traded a stable job for this life, the rewards have been worth it. The freedom, the learning, and the personal growth have been unparalleled. But remember, everyone’s journey is unique. What worked for me might not work for you. It’s all about finding what resonates with you. And on that note, I just remembered my workout! Time to get moving. Until next time, take care!