Work Clothes Suck

I’m stealing this title and mindset from one of my favorite female freelancers and freelance revolution promoters, Sarah Duran (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-duran-72246817/).

She listed this as one of 10 things freelancers know that people with “real jobs” are just now figuring out: (https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7217546128790052865/).

Freedom and the Freelance Revolution

I recently published an article on the modern Freelance Revolution, where I traced the basic concepts back to other monumental shifts in how we work. One of the earliest movements, called “The Cadbury Concept,” sought to make the work environment more pleasant for workers. While they likely did not relax that day’s accepted mores of dress at work, one of the ways modern freelancers translate those principles is by being relaxed and comfy as we create.

I see it as taking “business casual” to an entirely new and better level. It’s my business, so I work in casual clothing. My daily attire (somewhat reflected in the top photo) is a T-shirt and running shorts, and I am barefoot with plenty of coffee nearby. (OK, my feet seem to stay cold as I get older, so I frequently wear soft houseshoes.)

I recently conducted a professional Google videoconference in a golf shirt (which could be seen) and running shorts (which were underneath the table). I also did a Zoom video interview just yesterday from a hospital room in a t-shirt, pajamas, and hat.

I see it as taking “business casual” to an entirely new and better level. It’s my business, so I work in casual clothing.

I work from home, and my daily productivity schedule is fully conducive to comfortable working attire. Tattoos (I have two), piercings (I have none), colored hair (I have little at all), and other “personal statements” are also the norm among freelancers (and others, too, without a doubt).

Combining Freedom and Professionalism

One of the choicest aspects of freelancing is that my clients choose me for my work, not my appearance or speech.

I’m a writer from Northeast Tennessee, the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, and I sound like cornbread when I speak. I see it on the faces of many when they hear me for the first time in a video meeting. I’m used to it and do not take offense because the ensuing conversation quickly reveals my knowledge and professionalism, and the subsequent work is far above satisfactory.

My business is 99.99% digital, so clients rarely see or hear me in person. All they have to judge me by is the quality of my work and how I conduct my business, and I’m more than fine with that.

All they have to judge me by is the quality of my work and how I conduct my business, and I’m more than fine with that.

In fact, I showcase this casual appearance in my own LinkedIn header photo.

Full disclosure: I wore shorts in this photo, too!

Judging Freelancers By a New Gauge

With more and more people building freelance careers in this new Freelance Revolution, it’s time to begin evaluating freelancers using a new gauge.

Here is Sarah Duran’s full LinkedIn post that sparked my rant:

10 things freelancers know that people with “real jobs” are just now figuring out:

1. 9–5 jobs aren’t actually more “secure.”
2. Having your kid, or dog, or mother-in-law in the background of your Zoom call doesn’t mean you’re unprofessional; it means you’re human.
3. Commutes are soul-crushing.
4. Being a working parent is WAY F***ING EASIER when you’re in charge of the what/when/where/how of your work.
5. Work clothes suck.
6. “Benefits” hold you hostage to shitty jobs working for shitty people.
7. Life is too short to spend 1/3 of our lives (the time we spend at a 9–5 job) doing something we hate.
8. Going for a run, working in the garden, or hitting the pool in the middle of the day makes you MORE productive, not less.
9. Managers wouldn’t need to exist if people did what they loved.
10. The 8-hour-day and 40-hour-week are antiquated.

As we celebrate our freelancing freedom, let’s also be quick to point out the benefits we bring to our clients:

• A high level of skills and knowledge in our chosen niche/industry/specialization
• Freelancers cost you less (no office space and equipment costs, no insurance and retirement costs, etc.)
• Greater flexibility in getting the work done on your timetable
• A vast global talent pool that doesn’t restrict more rural businesses
• Freelancers work with many clients, so they can bring fresh ideas and perspectives to your table

The benefits just keep adding up, and business owners should capitalize on using freelance talent.

How About Your Freelance Career?

I’m always interested in other freelancers’ perspectives and ideas. Comment and tell me about your workday, most productive habits, and more. We can always learn more from one another.

The modern Freelance Revolution marches on — are you on board?