How Contracting Empowers a Healthy Work-Life Balance

In today's modern and ever-evolving work landscape, work-life balance has transformed from being a mere buzzword to an essential element for personal well-being and career satisfaction. Professionals now increasingly recognize the importance of harmonizing their mental and physical health, family time, and personal interests with their work commitments. The significance of work-life balance is evident in recent surveys such as Irish Life’s  'Health of the Nation 2022' and The Future of Recruitment 2022 research, where approximately half of respondents identified it as the most critical aspect of their current roles, surpassing considerations like salary, job satisfaction, remote working arrangements, and career prospects.

The global pandemic has profoundly impacted our perspectives on the interplay between work and personal life, emphasizing the need to strike a healthy equilibrium between the two. Achieving a balanced lifestyle is no longer seen as a luxury but rather as a necessity, as it directly influences productivity, engagement, and overall well-being.

Amidst this quest for balance, contract work has emerged as a compelling career choice, providing individuals with the autonomy to customize their careers according to their personal needs and aspirations. Our Big Independent Professional Survey 2022 supports this as our clients reported that flexibility and work-life balance were two key advantages they have obtained since they began their contracting journey.  

This blog post shares insights from our clients who have embraced contracting to enhance their work-life balance. From gaining fulfilment in their careers to cherishing quality time with loved ones, their experiences might inspire you to explore the world of contracting and unlock new possibilities for your own work-life balance.

Control over Daily or Monthly Schedules

“The main driver to start contracting was that I was leaving the house at 6.30 in the morning and not returning home until 8 every night. This meant I wasn’t around during the week for my young kids. Contracting has given me flexibility in my life to meet those needs. I can now work for a period of time and be around, especially in the summer for my family”

Flexibility in structuring work hours is one of the significant advantages of contracting. As a contractor, you have the opportunity to tailor your work schedule to fit your personal life. You gain the autonomy to set your own hours, choose your preferred work locations, and take breaks when necessary. This level of flexibility empowers you to prioritize personal commitments, spend valuable time with loved ones, and indulge in hobbies. This independence enables individuals to pursue work that aligns with their passions and values, leading to a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction, ultimately contributing to a more balanced work-life integration.

Freedom to Decide What You Work On

“As a contractor, I have got the ability to choose the projects I work on, which lead me to a greater sense of control over my career and a better alignment of my skills and interests with the work I do.”

When people are spending time on what really matters to them and what they hold significant, they can cultivate a greater capacity to bounce back when faced with obstacles, stay highly motivated and be invested in the contribution they are making to a project. Contract work grants professionals the freedom to choose the projects, clients, and industries they engage with. Unlike traditional employment, where individuals may feel constrained by fixed roles and responsibilities, contracting work allows for greater versatility. This independence empowers individuals to pursue work that aligns with their passions and values, creating a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction, a higher level of motivation and engagement, ultimately contributing to a more balanced work-life integration.

Flexible Time Off

“I like the freedom to stop working for months and go travel for as long as I like and my money will take me. Contracting to me is freedom and I love being free.”

Contract work provides greater freedom when it comes to taking time off and planning holidays. Unlike traditional employment, where vacation time is often predetermined or limited, contractors have the flexibility to schedule their breaks according to their personal preferences and needs. Whether it's taking a long weekend to spend time with friends, planning a vacation during non-peak seasons or a break in your contract work, or accommodating family commitments, contracting work allows you to enjoy quality time away without the constraints of fixed vacation policies.

Work-Life Boundaries 

“I love contracting because I love to be in command of my own life! Being my own boss allows me to decide what to do with my career, when do I want to work and when do I want to enjoy my personal time off. I am in control of my life and I am the one setting my own rules.”

When operating as an independent contractor, you will have a contract for services in place with your client. Unlike traditional employment, where the lines often blur, contracting work gives you the power to define when and how you engage with work-related tasks. By establishing these boundaries and having them incorporated into your contract for services, you can fully disconnect and recharge during your personal time. This separation and the ability to strike a balance between professional and personal responsibilities not only promotes mental well-being, reduces burnout, but also results in increased productivity during working hours.

In conclusion, work-life balance has become an essential aspect of modern professional life. Contracting work offers an empowering alternative to traditional employment, providing individuals with the independence to shape their professional lives while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The freedom to choose, flexible work arrangements, seamless integration of work and personal life, and the ability to select opportunities for personal growth and value, make contracting work an attractive option for those seeking greater autonomy. 
At Icon Accounting, we're here to help you get started on your contracting journey in whatever way we can. Contact our team of experts today to start navigating the world of contracting and find the perfect contracting solution to fit your personal needs and requirements.

Article Source: “Work-Life Balance Identified as the Biggest Factor for Irish Job Seekers”, Will Goodbody, RTE News

Article Source: Health of the Nation 2022, Irish Life Wellbeing Limited