The perception of leisure time as "wasted" when one is their own boss or self-employed can have negative consequences on their well-being and work-life balance. This mindset stems from the pressure to constantly be productive and make money, which can lead to burnout and stress.
It's essential for self-employed individuals to recognize the importance of leisure time and taking breaks for their mental and physical health. Engaging in leisure activities, such as spending time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing, is vital for recharging and maintaining overall happiness.
Balancing work and leisure is crucial for long-term success and productivity. Studies have shown that taking breaks and having leisure time can actually improve focus, creativity, and decision-making abilities. It allows the mind to rest and rejuvenate, ultimately leading to increased efficiency and effectiveness when returning to work.
Shifting the perspective from viewing leisure time as "wasted" to understanding it as a necessary part of a healthy and fulfilling life can greatly improve the well-being and job satisfaction of self-employed individuals. Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care is essential for avoiding burnout and ensuring sustainable success in any work environment.
Pricing your working hours is essential to success, but one study found that pricing your off-work hours can make that time unpleasant. When using some of that time to accomplish something that is supposed to be enjoyable, those who think about all time in terms of money become more impatient, according to Canadian researchers.
Overworking and eventual burnout can therefore be quite problematic for independent contractors. Of course, many full-time employees who have a boss overwork as well. According to Pew Research Center statistics from March 2023, many employees sacrifice their free time to work. The study of about 6,000 US employees, including around 5,100 who are not self-employed, found that while 62% of respondents think having time off is a valuable perk of their employment.