Switched from full-time to contract work - huge difference in stress levels after 8 months

I left my 9-to-5 marketing manager gig last January to do freelance contracts, and after 8 months my anxiety dropped way more than I expected. The trade-off is no paid time off and having to chase invoices every 30 days, but I'm not dealing with office politics or mandatory meetings anymore. Anyone else made this switch and found the financial uncertainty worth the mental health gain?

3 comments

3 Comments

colescott14d ago

I mean, are we really acting like sitting through a few boring meetings is some kind of major trauma? Office politics are annoying but they don't usually send people to the hospital. It just feels like we're overhyping normal job stuff to justify a risky move.

davis.olivia14d ago

Usually don't send people to the hospital"? You seriously don't know anyone who's had stress-induced health issues from a toxic workplace? That's wild.

the_brian14d ago

Honestly, people forget that stress can literally mess with your heart and blood pressure over time. I've seen coworkers end up with chronic migraines or stomach issues just from the constant pressure and drama. It's not about one bad meeting, it's about years of that stuff piling up until your body finally breaks down.