We all know that certain jobs can make a person sick. Everything starts off great, and you feel fulfilled. But over time something starts to happen. And before you know it, the thought of going to work or doing your job triggers anxiety, headaches, or stomach pain.

Most people spend at least 40 hours a week at their job. And for this reason, it’s important to love (or at least like) what you do. But this isn’t always the case, and the idea of going to work can make a person physically sick. This is when it’s time to find a new occupation.

But what about people who work for themselves? Do we fall into this category? Can our projects, assignments, or clients make us sick?

I’ve never had a project make me physically ill to the point where I could not function. But I’ve had a few “thorns in my flesh.” Some projects definitely increase the stress level, which can zap any and all joy out of freelancing. It’s only been recently that I’ve encountered a few “headaches” - literally. I don’t know what’s different. It’s probably a combination of taking on too much and picking the wrong assignments. But I’ve experienced more tension headaches in the past six months than I have in seven years.

The old me would suck it up and stick with a long-term client (regardless of how painful it was to get through each assignment), and then do my little happy dance once the client decided to part ways. But I’m turning over a new leaf.

I’m saying “good-bye” to any and everything that causes my anxiety level to rise.