Going freelance was one of the best decisions I've made for my health - here's why

Stress affects me physically. When I'm at capacity, I often lose weight, get stomach aches, and my migraine attacks turn chronic. This became a point of contention at my previous job, as the environment became so stressful that my attacks jumped to 12 a month. My job punished me by taking away my sick policy and refusing to abide by the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Unfortunately, it was legal because the company had fewer than 15 employees.) I left two months later.

Since I went freelance, I no longer feel guilty taking a day off because it's on me to catch up. I know the work will get done and it will get done well, so I listen to my body and take care of it as needed. Guess what happened when I was allowed to choose what's best for my body and workflow? Less migraine attacks and more time to focus on my work. I went from 14 migraine days in October to seven in November and four in December. I'm hopeful for a good January, but I'll take four attacks a month after the 12 migraines a month I've been used to the past year.

I have managed a lot of people in my career. One thing I refuse to do is micromanage. I know from experience what it's like to have eyes on you at all times, and the anxiety it causes. You're so afraid of messing up or hearing negative feedback that work quality suffers. The people I currently work with are hands off and trust me to use my skills. In two months, I've done the best work I have done in at least two years — and it's because nobody is looking over my shoulder.

I'm not someone who can do the same thing every day and be happy. I love learning from other people in different industries and having a wide range of projects.

Since I've started working for myself, I have ambition I thought I lost forever. I'm excited about work again because every day (and even every hour) is different. I have technical and higher-ed clients that are constantly challenging me, as well as highly creative projects that cater to my fun, experimental side. They all give each day a wonderful balance and keep me engaged.

Having to be at a desk for eight hours straight does a lot to your mind and body. There are times where I actually felt trapped.

Freelancing freed me. I can start or stop a project whenever I like. If I'm feeling drained, I can step away and devote 30 minutes or an hour to fitness until I feel recharged enough to get back to work and give it my all. My body has thanked me.

Last week, I had a four-day migraine that was so intense I couldn't read. I felt horrible for going M.I.A. on clients. When I came out of my migraine fog and updated colleagues, they were incredible. One person I admire responded with, "Your health matters most and the world won't end if we run a couple days behind schedule." My heart burst.

In fact, this has been a trend with the people I'm working with. They are kind, encouraging, and great coaches when I don't quite hit the mark. By building a healthy network of colleagues, I am eager and ambitious to present them with results.

I'm not the only one finding happiness through freelance. WiseBrand's 2018 "State of the Freelance Nation" survey found 54% of freelancers have no interest in returning to full-time employment, and in a 2019 Upwork survey, 76% say they are happier freelancing than they felt in a traditional job.

While I don't know what my future holds for my career, I'm happy with where I've landed.