Freelancing and bereavement?

[Hufflepuffin]

Hello! I was wondering if anyone had any experience of bereavement while working as a freelancer. I'm pretty new to working this way and my df is terminally ill. He's been in decline for a while but things have changed since I accepted a new regular client (my biggest). I'm not sure exactly when things will happen but it's likely to be around the time of a big deadline. A part of me thinks maybe I will just get on with it? My df's death won't be a shock and might in some ways be a relief, but who is to know how I will feel. Just wondered what people's experiences have been like. I warned the client that he was ill when I took on the work but I haven't told them things have progressed as I kind of just keeping thinking things will work themselves out.

I'm sorry to hear about your DF, and I don't mean to sound harsh, BUT this is the downside of being a freelancer; the job needs done regardless. You could subcontract, but you'd need to quality check and liaise with client. Do you have a damages delay built into the contract?
I hope things work out better than you anticipate. Take care.

I know it's the downside of being a freelancer, I'm not freelance by choice so at the moment it is all downsides! Ah well. I guess I was hoping for some personal experience of "just getting on with it".

for you, Huffle - it's difficult time for you. I don't have experience of bereavement while freelancing, but I did go through a difficult break-up, which was made tougher by the fact that we'd just bought a house together.

My experience showed that there are benefits to freelancing in times of emotional turmoil. It means you can down tools and have a huge cry when you feel the need. Afterwards, you can return to your desk with red swollen eyes and nobody can see you so it doesn't matter.

At the same time, the job DOES still need to be done, which is also helpful in its own way, because it forces you to do it. I found I was less organised and productive at times - difficulty in concentrating etc - but, when the chips were down, I did get the work done.

I hope that you find a way through the next few months of sadness.

I'm so sorry about your DF. Big hug. Do you have siblings to help with the practical arrangements, as there is a lot to do!

Everyone reacts differently to bereavement and so you can't predict how you'll feel. On one hand, you need to give yourself the time and mental space to grieve properly, otherwise you may not be able to move through all the grieving phases well. On the other hand, having other things to occupy your mind will help you too. It's a balance.

How long will the project take? Perhaps you could agree with your client to take a short break and then continue. That way, you don't let them down, and you'll have some breathing space to focus on your loss and the practicalities. Communication with your client is key.

I own and run a limited company and my mother died two years ago, following a six year battle with breast cancer. I was partially mentally prepared for her death but still hoped she would beat it. Although I have three siblings, they were generally hopeless and so I had to organise things with my dad. Having something to do helped, as did grieving together with dad and the family. After the funeral, I felt more focused on work, and just took a moment out when I felt that sudden rush of emotion when I thought about her. Working from home allowed me that luxury. It also helped telling clients I wouldn't be around much to handle projects, but that I would be at my desk after the funeral.

Hope this helps. X

@Hufflepuffin
Hiya, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss I hope you are well. I’ve noticed this thread/post is not recent, however I am very moved by your experience. I am currently a university student looking into experiences of women within the gig economy, digital platform work, freelancing and would be keen on speaking to your regarding your experiences of this time of work and how there not other choices.
Kind regards
Sophie

Sophie
This thread is 7 years old