My neurodivergent freelance life

As someone who identifies as neurodivergent, being a freelancer improved my life ten-fold.

When I was employed full-time I would often come home and feel as though my head was splitting in two. Eight hours a day around people and an inability to set to my own routine was beyond exhausting.

Now I work in a way that works with who I am instead of against it. I am an incredibly productive and efficient person. I understand very well the concept of “hyper-focus”, but being forced to make small talk, navigate office politics and the nuances of social interaction daily would hinder this ability greatly.

It’s also generally frowned upon to have a “closed door” in an office space - but closed doors can feel like a literal oasis to some. I hated this idea that it meant I cared less about my colleagues or work.

Here are some of the key adjustments I make as a freelancer that enables me to function on top form:

1) At least two hours between Zoom calls. I bloody love getting to know and speaking to people. Genuinely. It only becomes a problem when it’s constant. Quiet time is essential for me to thrive and present my best self.

2) An ability to set my own routine. This gives me the freedom to monitor my energy levels and work on the thing that I’m going to do best at in that point in time. I have certain things I like to do at certain times during the day and if I can do work around that I feel my best.

3) Control over my environment. I’m weirdly sensitive to changes in light and temperature. Working at home means I don’t have people laughing at me when I’m wearing a scarf and bobble hat in the office when everyone else is dressed normally.