I am not yet 32 and I have worked for companies as an employee. Also, when I was utterly broke I did freelance work on the side and different languages and skills. It helped me get another job in fact!
I think the important thing for me now is that at the end of the day I can go home and not really have to worry or think about work until tomorrow. If money was the most important thing in life (or I was deeply in debt again), I would be working all evening as well, but money isn't the most important thing. Time is. Time to read, time to play with my cats, time to reflect.
My know a few who work for themselves and they seem constantly restless and with worry about how to make ends meet when not enough work is coming in.
The idea of working for yourself seems romantic and "free" but it can be quite stressful, particularly with a family and children.
I was hoping it'd be like that: "Clock out" and then forget about things. Except it's not, and I have dreams revolving around exactly how to solve a certain problem. Maybe if I became a lumberjack I could rest at night.
I find the drive home is the time to unwind for that. It isn't a long drive but I try and force myself to forget it.
Of course, I might end up tinkering with stuff in the evening but I try and make it my own code, not works, to keep that separation. But mostly I will attempt to avoid computer "work".
I think if it gets too much I will become a gardener for the council and mow lawns. All that green is quite therapeutic, and you can see where you've been and where you've got to go on a lawn, so it is good.
I think the important thing for me now is that at the end of the day I can go home and not really have to worry or think about work until tomorrow. If money was the most important thing in life (or I was deeply in debt again), I would be working all evening as well, but money isn't the most important thing. Time is. Time to read, time to play with my cats, time to reflect.
My know a few who work for themselves and they seem constantly restless and with worry about how to make ends meet when not enough work is coming in. The idea of working for yourself seems romantic and "free" but it can be quite stressful, particularly with a family and children.