Self-employment And Your Social Life

[MarkB]

I have been self-employed for more than 10 years now and while I could not go back to full-time traditional employment, I do miss the socialising side. When I worked for an employer we regularly had staff nights out, a few drinks, some food and some good laughs. When you work for yourself you are always conscious of where the next pound is coming from, how safe your contracts are and if anything is happening this will be on your mind churning around.

I have made a promise to myself that I will try to improve my social life with friends and family and even make the effort to meet acquaintances I have worked with over the years.

 

[Scott Kinnear]

The last works night out I went to, was a works Xmas Do in 2005/6. When I was self employed full-time I always thought about if I went back to a regular job it would possibly be something to look forward to.

I have been past two Xmases in my current job, and don't fancy it, with the backstabbing and politics that go on all year round, Id hardly want to socialise with some people. Its sad! Through fond memories of my time at NCR in Dundee, There was ups and downs sometimes, there was wind-ups, pranks and camaraderie, and both Summer and Xmas we all went out in a squad, and it was a great time, If there was any bad feelings between the lads, you would not know on the night out. everyone having their shot at the Karaoke, some worse than others haha.

When I think back - I had more of a social life when I was self employed than I do now, I used to go to my local with my mate. I stopped that Sept 2016, You drink with a mate for 28 years, And just like William Wallace on Braveheart finding Robert The Bruce fighting with the opposition, It was like a claymore going right through the heart.... Elaborate....ok.... Do remember my other post on Gut Instinct.... The guy who never paid....Alarm Bells going off down deep.... Its a bad bad thing when you find your mate for 28 years, Is laughing at you with the enemy, The things people let loose with a drink on them

 

[selfemployed]

I know exactly what you mean. When I worked in Manchester we had a great crowd of people and even if there were disagreements in the office these were never carried over into the pub. We used to have some great times although I do look back now I am self-employed and wonder what changed. What is stopping me from organising a social life with my friends and acquaintances? The only thing I can think of is the constant pressure when you work for yourself and the fact that one too many drinks the night before can wipe out the next working day.

 

[Scott Kinnear]

And the cost of a night out. Responsibilities come first, Enjoyment comes second

 

[MarkB]

Thats it - if its a business night out it amazing how much people can drink at a free bar lol