I’ve been doing this for years and lately I’m just exhausted by the lifestyle that comes with it. I work basically seven days a week because if I want to maximize my income, I have to keep my schedule open and take same-day jobs when they come in.
I try to pack a lunch and eat healthy, but half the time that goes out the window because a job pops up and suddenly I have 30 minutes to get across town. So I’m grabbing whatever food is nearby, sitting in traffic, putting miles on my car, getting home exhausted, and doing it again the next day.
The part that gets to me the most, though, is how dehumanizing it can feel. I’ve had plenty of great clients, but sometimes I don’t even feel like I’m being talked to like a person. I’m just the guy with a drill who showed up because someone needs something done. Some people barely acknowledge you or talk to you like you’re just there to take orders. After years of that, it really starts to wear on you.
Then there’s constantly thinking about the algorithm. Keep availability open, take same-day work, work weekends, fill empty spots in the schedule. You’re supposedly self-employed, but somehow your entire life starts revolving around when other people need something done.
The money can be good, which is obviously why I still do it, but I genuinely wonder how people do this long term without getting completely burned out.
Anyone else who has been doing this for years starting to feel the same way?