I’ve been freelancing for five years and still panic every time I finish a project. The downtime between gigs is unpredictable, and I never know when the next paycheck is coming. How do you build emotional resilience when nothing feels stable?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I’ve felt that panic too; it’s tough when your income isn’t steady. I started keeping a small “quiet months” fund so I could breathe between projects. It made the gaps feel less scary. I also don't have many bills each month because I try to pay by quarter or annually as much as possible.

My panic starts before the end even comes. I’ve tried and failed at finding some more passive income streams just to help me through those unpredictable gaps, but still trying to make it happen. I try to budget like I might not have a paycheck for a month or two.

I think having a little nest egg can go along way, and find ways to distract yourself between jobs so you don’t end up in a depression spiral.

Related Posts

Do we need a union to stop partners from emailing us after 7:30 pm?

funnylike

I got offered 100k base + 125 equity for a level 2-1 non tech program manager position in Austin TX. Feels like I’m being lowballed.
Thoughts?

like

Any feedback on the School of Visual Concepts (SVC) in Seattle? Looking to go from a media buyer to art direction/design.

like

I’ve noticed that the are a few companies that aren’t performing a drug test as part of their onboarding, does anyone know if Microsoft are performing them at the current moment?

funny

4 years next month

like

Billing almost 70 hours a week with no end in sight and poor leadership. Struggling hard to hit meetings but still trying to check in w support. Any advice?

I can’t handle the networking thing sober.... I’ve been sober 4 years and I still find it incredibly difficult... also a young professional

like

Male, 24

It is that time in life for me to buy new socks - not work socks, just every day socks. I prefer low / no show. Don't want to break my bank but also want socks that'll last.

Recommendations appreciated! Thanks in advance!!

like

Thoughts on career changing and joining a headhunting/executive recruitment firm? I feel like it won't be super hard for me to start building a book of business with my current network. Anyone with experience?

like

Hi,
I have 2 years and 7 months of experience as a DevOps Engineer. Currently working as Senior Software Engineer in a MNC.
I have worked on the tools such as Kubernetes, Docker, Jenkins, Git (GitLab and GitHub)/Gerrit and Other DevOps Tool Chains such as Artifactory and Monitoring Tools. But not cloud experience like AWS, Azure (have on Premises cloud exposure).
I'm looking for job change. Any leads will be appreciated.

like

For my colleagues that travel a lot: Tumi or Briggs and Riley?

like

I’m getting into consulting but have no idea what a reasonable hourly rate would be for creative ops. Any suggestions?? I have 6+ yrs experience with Fortune 500 companies, working on the brand side and at an agency.

What is EBA IN Bosch?

like

If you are looking for a referral in EY. Please DM. We have multiple openings

like

I’m doing some research on error and empathy. Has anyone come across any research on customer behavior, such as helping them cope with difficulties online and correcting errors. I’m reading and hearing no one likes “We sorry” interactions.

I joined a project that had already started and the team already settled on creating a user journey map, even though none of them are designers or in ux. I also have no experience in this field as I'm a data engineer. The user journey map was for mapping out the process for tenants finding housing assistance, so not a technical product. Given this new field and type of work, I've been having a really tough time. Anyone mind sharing what helped get you through your first ux project?

Feb 2021 L1 candidates how are you keeping yourself motivated to study with holiday season upon us...thanks

like

I’ve recently been interested in the idea of moving from Canada(Toronto) to the US(California) with McCann. I am wondering if this is common & if anyone else has made move before with tips?

I have 2 years of sales experience but am looking to make a career change into HR? Any tips of how to standout on my resume or any general advice? Thanks!

like

Additional Posts in Entertainment

I’m a 40-year-old agent and it feels like it’s now or never for following my passion. Does a newbie to film at my age have any chance of breaking into the industry?

like

What are some of your worst experiences working in the entertainment industry?

like

Misogyny in the film industry? Is it true that women are treated like hot garbage or is it at least bearable? It's my dream to become an actress but I don't want to go through some of the stuff that I've heard of.

like

Anyone in here with a masters degree on the business side of entertainment? What type of salary do you usually negotiate for as a coordinator or manager or director?

like

People who have a celebrity-inspired tattoo, do you regret it? I want to get one inspired by my fav movie but what if that actor turns out to be a Weinstein?

like

Do indie filmmakers often use freelance social media consultants to help with promotion?

like

Do you think Ellen Degeneres will have a comeback?

like

Thoughts on nepotism babies becoming successful A-listers? Is it because of their talent or mostly due to their connections? Can someone share some talented examples?

like

Some of the actors on soap operas are just so awful it's just unbelievable. Meanwhile, I can't even find volunteer work as an actor; it's disheartening.

like

Which A-list actors/actresses are your inspirations for getting into the film industry and why?

like

How come in TV shows there are different salaries for different actors? And it's even worse when you bring numbers in. Per episode, there have been cases where some people make twice as much as others.

like
like

Atlanta actress looking to network and audition for film, tv, and theatre!

like

How is everyone feeling amidst these layoffs? Hope everyone is taking care of themselves!

like

Looking for salary range for full time audio visual in hotel settings in central Florida area, I started a position with a hotel recently and workload is much higher than they made it out to be and I am doing all labor and administrative on my own. Looking to renegotiate my terms.

I recently retired and I’d like to try out acting now that I have all this extra time to pour into it. What can an older guy (65) do to pursue a career in acting?

likeuplifting

I’m going to apply for my first camera operator job soon. I have a demo reel, but I don’t know how to make my resume look appealing. Can I add unrelated work if some of the soft skills required are the same?

like

Does anyone have any experience working with FeverUp? I have a interview with them this week and I would love to hear about life within the company.

likesmart

A question for the entertainers out there (magicians, dancers, DJs, really just anyone who is hired to work at parties). Have you ever turned down a job because something about the person asking to hire you just felt "off"?

like

Is it worth it being a freelance actor? I don't want to sign with an agency because they'll take away a big chunk of my earnings, but it's so hard to hustle and do it all by myself.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal