I have an industry friend who is forever running off to client or prospect meetings at times that are terribly inconvenient for her. One time she ran an event until 11:00pm and then had to leave at 6:00am for a client breakfast. Another time, she was cutting a vacation short to fly out the next morning for an out-of-town meeting.

I know a few freelancers that have gone back to being an employee because they felt too isolated. I get it – having co-workers is the one thing I miss about being an employee. It’s such an easy, unforced way to get the daily social interaction that humans need.

Many people dismiss New Year’s resolutions, but I’ve had great success with them. The trick is to focus not on things you feel you “should” do, but on areas where you genuinely want to attract more into your life. One of my resolutions for this year is what I simply call: “Let. It. Marinate.”

As a freelance consultant, I don’t have any expectation that my clients will take time out of their day to express their appreciation for my work. I am not their employee, they don’t have to worry about my morale and how it correlates to productivity. It is perfectly reasonable for them to expect that the money they pay me is compensation enough.

I spent January 2018 remote working in Montevideo, Uruguay. I’ve been excited about this experience for months, and for good reason – it’s been incredible spending a month I normally have to trudge through (I’m not a Winter person) enjoying summer sunshine, palm trees and ocean breezes, as well as light-filled skies until 9:00pm.

Last March, I decided that I would spend January 2018 remote working. Anyone currently living through Toronto’s winter doesn’t need me to explain what prompted the decision. For the next four weeks, I will be living and working in Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay.