I am oddly embarassed posting this, but trying to think positively.
I have just finished two contracts one academic project contract and on consultancy contract, but I now have very little work in the foreseeable future. I am a researcher and manager in a freelance capacity in a very specific area and I really fear the moment has gone for my kind of work - both in terms of trends and also there is very little money in the sector. Previously something has always come good, but this year I just don't feel confident that it will. I am tired, older, some health issues and feel like I have no new ideas. The only requests coming in atm are for academic guest teaching - but with no payment!
However, my question for now is more about what to do with myself all week that is both productive and fulfilling. I have two bits of freelance/academic work I need to prep for, and I need to look for work obviously, but it's already very dispiriting and I really struggle without goals, colleagues and structure. And my motivation is very low. I am basically scared about how I will cope this Autumn. Ther are endless house and garden jobs to do, but I am not even feeling the usual relief I would feel to have the time to get these done.
Has anyone been through this - how do freelancers cope with fallow periods? But also I have nearly 15 years of working life to go -what am I going to do?