The World Is Still Turning!
As the saying goes. We learn more from adversities than from successes and once again I can attest to that fact. Many of you would have noticed that I haven’t posted for over 10 days. To those of you who sent me emails to ask whether I was ok, thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is nice to know I’m being missed by some people.
For the others, who wonder what the heck is going on, here is a simple explanation. I was sick with the worst flu I’ve had in some 25 years. No kidding. Even working from home didn’t protect me against this nasty bug that lurked in the nooks and crannies of our community at the end of a long winter.
According to a local chemist, about 60% of the town has been sick with this flu. So instead of working, I was tied to my bed and my couch, because I had no energy to do anything else.
Today is my first working day after 10 days and to say it is high time is the understatement of the year. Which of course brings me to the lessons I have learned.
Lesson 1: The world is still turning
Yes, the world is turning, whether I’m participating or not. It is a humble experience to see that people are still having fun while we are not there. It made me realize how insignificant I really am to the world. For all I know, I could have dropped dead and nobody would give a damn.
Ok, I know that is not entirely correct, but have you ever thought about how we tend to blow up our own importance, because it makes us feel good – wanted – needed?
Reality is quite stark. While we might be important to our loved ones, family and closest friends, most people forget us as quick as they found us. Such is the nature of human kind.
Lesson 2: It always takes longer than we think
When I first got sick I thought I would be out cold for three days max. Well, that obviously didn’t work. To be honest, I’m still not 100% back on track, but since the nature of my business is freelancing, I can’t afford to wait any longer.
Lesson 3: Always have a backup plan
When it comes to securing data, I’m a control freak. But interestingly enough I made the cardinal mistake in not preparing for this kind of business melt down. While I was sick, I didn’t do anything but sleep, read and watch TV. There was no email, no commenting on other blogs, except on Kelly’s She Power Women interview she did with me prior. I also didn’t communicate with my clients.
This is way bad.
I realize this now. In thinking how I could possibly prepare myself for any future event that might tear me away from the business for any length of time, I found two immediate conclusions:
- Train my husband to answer urgent emails on my behalf and inform clients about the situation to give them peace of mind.
- Prepare auto responder email messages that can be sent automatically from some email applications. I know Gmail has a great out of office feature that allows you to do just that. You can set your own custom message, which will be sent in reply to any incoming email.
Quite frankly, I wasn’t prepared for this scenario. In retrospect, it is easy to say “I should have done this”. But in reality we seem to think we are invincible.
Lesson 4: Clients are way more understanding than we think
I seriously have the coolest clients on this planet. They have all been immensely understanding and supportive.
I was fretting about my lack of communication, but luckily though they know I’m human.
Thank you! You guys really rock!
Lesson 5: Residual income really is key
I’ve been writing about building niche sites for some time now. The reason why I need residual income has just been confirmed over the last 10 days, when my income from writing was $0. Being sick really doesn’t suit the freelance writer.
Far from it actually. It sucks.
I can’t afford to be sick and this fact alone makes my business prone to financial negatives. Illness is also another part of the dark side of writing.
The saying “absence makes the heart grow fonder” is certainly not the way to stay in the face and mind of an online community. Online means fast moving and to take off any length of time away from the action means we lose track of what it going on.
So my plans to keep building my residual sites is unwavering, albeit having been in standby mode while I was sick.
Lesson 6: You can only watch so much TV and read so many books
TV sucks. I always knew this. But what does one do when she is sick and can’t sleep anymore? TV or books. My preferred choice is always reading, but my eyes do get tired after reading for a while. The fallback method is TV because I don’t have to think much while being entertained in some ways. Plus more often than not, TV send me to sleep.
However, I think it is fair to say that I’ve seen enough of that junk to last me for a good while.
To be miserable or to move forward?
My choice is always the moving forward. Even though I’ve lost ten days of income, it doesn’t matter. In the long run, this could actually prove to be a present in disguise.
I’m a firm believer to learn from all bad situations and use this new found wisdom to move forward.
I hope this post has also helped you in some ways.
Welcome back and thanks for sticking around.
Monika
About the Author: I'm a passionate freelance writer and problogger. To further build my business I'm also in the process of building my own niche empire which pays me residual income.
lissie | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
Thank goodness it was only the flu – though I know its a nasty version in Australia this season. Its kinda weird in the online world: Vic has disappeared for the last couple of days and I just fear the worse – and not just that, but that you would never find out what actually happened. I like the idea of training your husband to answer emails – or at least but the autoresponder on (and gmail can be set to reply to just those that are personally addressed to you). It makes you thing that succession planning for an online business is even trickier than for a real-world business: my partner wouldn’t even know how to re-new a domain name!
Bill Robinson | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
Glad you are back and getting better! And thanks for the insight. As a new blogger, it’s great to hear from the trenches and the more experienced bloggers out there.
Brett Legree | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
I’m glad to hear you’re on the mend – I’ll have to cancel my plane tickets, I was about to fly out your way to see what was up!
(I must apologize for not hooking up with you on Skype after your hello – but you’ve certainly not been forgotten! Blame it on the perils of getting triplets into the school routine…)
So as penance, may I offer you a nice virtual flat white! We can save the fourex for Friday night..
-Brett
Lin | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
Wow Monika, sorry to hear you’ve been sick. I actually thought you may have been on vacation or something, which is definitely preferable over being sick with the flu.
I’m glad you’re feeling better and hopefully will be back to your regular posting schedule and won’t get a second round of the flu like others I’ve heard have.
steph | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
Hey Monika!
I *was* wondering! I’m so glad you’re feeling better. I understand what you mean about not having an income coming in when you’re not working. I hope you’re able to catch up soon!
I love the out of office (or commission!)reply. It’s one of the best things a freelancer can do. No matter what, I believe in replying as soon as I can.
Akemi - "Spiritual Entrepreneur" @ Yes to Me | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
Sorry to hear about your sickness.
However, for someone who works non-stop, like yourself, it may have been a long over due rest. You deserve to have rest, you know
ebele | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
Hi hun
The most important thing is you and your health (and that smile of yours – oh, and your hubby – and your cuckatoos – and that mango tree pic you owe me (nudge, nudge; wink, wink) )
So glad you’re feeling better, hun. I did wonder why there weren’t any recent posts but had a feeling the gods would send you back soon.
So welcome back! (she says, waving her pom-poms excitedly).
hugs…bbq wings…mangoes…belly laughs…rude talk…ben & jerry’s.
Friar | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
Ugh. Daytime TV.
The only time I ever watch it is like you, when I’m off sick with the flu. When you’re in that nether-region…not able to sleep, but too sick to read a book or do anything active.
Sometime I dont’ know what’s worse..the itself, or the crappy TV programming.
(Though at least we have a channel selection here…what do you guys have in Oz…four? )
(PS. Channels that play non-stop cricket don’t count!)
Writer Dad | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
I’m really glad you’re feeling better; I enjoy your words. It’s terrific that you could take such a nasty bug and turn it around into a series of thoughts about how to not be caught unprepared again.
I’m glad you’re back.
Erik Keller | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
OK, guilty as charged. I was sure that you’ve been buried in work and didn’t find the time to post. (Something I’m guilty of more than often.)
Hope you’re better now. One thing though, I lost 20-odd pounds as a child when I managed to catch a real flu, like you obviously did. Make sure to do your best to strengthen your immune-system, the onslaught of the virus might not be over yet, seriously.
Get well soon.
Vered - MomGrind | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
Wow, Monika, that was profound. My thoughts:
1. I’m glad you’re feeling better.
2. Yes, we are not important, except to our loved ones, and even they often start forgetting after a few years. Memories do fade away and people always move on.
3. I’m glad your clients were understanding. I think that when you’re generally reliable, people do understand because they are human too and would like to be treated the same way if they have to face an emergency.
4. Of course TV sucks! Incredibly so.
Medic | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
Glad to see you are feeling better.
Jylan Wynne | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
I didn’t know that you were sick so badly Monika, good thing your clients understand. I’m sure you won’t take long to get back to normal though
.
Wendi Kelly-Life's Little Inspirations | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
Monika,
I am so glad you are getting better. You certianly have a good idea about getting that back up plan in place. The other thing that all indipendent contracters need to learn is that their income is not their paycheck. No matter how much you make, some needs to be put away for marketing and business expenses,some for taxes some for slow times and savings. THEN write yourself a paycheck from the remainder. If you are managing well, it will probably come to 40-expenses, 60 paycheck but it varies depending on how stable you are. It is a HARD lesson to learn but a very important one.
Kelly@SHE-POWER | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
Monika
Glad to hear you’re better now. I’ve been pretty absent online too due to over a week of migraines that came just when I had a tonne of commitments to meet and a weekend away. I’ve alternated between a darkened room, moaning in pain and feeling sorry for myself and the computer, where I would work frantically then fall to pieces again.
Sometimes I think illnesses like this happen because we are being forced to slow down and take a rest for our own good. You know, maybe there have been signs that a break was needed, but we ignore them so the body says, “Fine, let’s see what you do with this!” Then whacks us with the sickly stick.
Thanks so much for getting onto the computer to answer the comments for your SHE-POWER interview. You’re a doll.
Kelly
Cath Lawson | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika – I’m glad you’re feeling better.
Maybe this was meant to happen to you. You were wondering what you should be focusing on and I guess this flu has given you the answer.
zania | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika,
Glad to see you are okay, or at least recovering!
I have been offline a lot myself (at least regarding my mainstream blogs) – hosting problems. But I think I would rather have those than the flu (knock on wood!).
Getting your husband to respond to urgent emails would be a good thing…. getting mine to do the same thing would require ‘response training’, but never mind
And daytime TV: you should try Spanish daytime TV, that really sucks!
Good to see you back!
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
Welcome back Monika! Glad you’re feeling better.
Yes, I understand this lack of work=lack of income thing. I get overwhelmed by the world pretty easily and sometimes just need to take a day or two of doing nothing to recharge. If I don’t my work is crap. This is fine with my major client because we tend to work with long deadlines and I always deliver before the deadline, but it doesn’t work with my part time job (teaching English). If I’m sick, I don’t earn.
This is why I’m building up the workshop – hoping that it will sell even if I take a week off from actively promoting it.
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Zania: Thank you for your welcome back comment. I’m sorry to hear you have hosting problems. If I can help, let me know pls.
I know how frustrating it can be to have technical issues. Been there myself many of times.
Your comment about your husband made me laugh out loud. Response training, LOL, now what exactly would this involve?
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Lissie: Thank you for your input on the autoresponder messages. I think either of my two ideas will work. But having thought on it some more the responder wins because I can show hubby how to activate the automated trigger in case I’m too weak to do it myself and that would solve the issue right away.
I wonder what is happening with Vic? I think he might be busy with something as we know him. But I see where you are coming from. It is our responsibility in some ways to inform readers that we are absent and on the other hand, if we are ill it is the furthest from our minds.
Thank you for your thoughts. They provoke even further thinking.
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Bill Robinson: You are welcome. It was the least I could do. I also felt it was my obligation to let you guys know what happened. As you can see, we all struggle with similar issues.
It’s nice to see you around here anyway.
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Brett: Ah, thanks heaps for that flat white. Always a pleasure to taste them.
I feel for you with all the school routine stuff. Gee, I freak out looking after 5 horny birds going crazy in the house, but like you (with your kiddies), I wouldn’t miss them for anything.
Always adds plenty of action to the day doesn’t it?
And how could I be upset about your reasoning anyway. No offense taken at all.
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Lin: Yes, I wish I was on vacation. I need one for sure. I guess getting that flu was a result of working my butt off for the last year without stopping.
I’m still battling a nasty chest infection and coughing, so I really hope there is no second round as the first one lasted far too long already.
Thank you for your nice words too. It’s awesome to see I’m being welcomed back so warmly.
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Steph: Thank you. I see that now too with the out of office reply. I’m not really worried about the loss of income because this has really been a manifestation of what I concluded previously about spending more time building my niches.
I suppose the body does now better in the end, regardless what the mind tries to scheme. BTW, have you launched your new site yet? I haven’t had time to catch up on what I missed these last ten days.
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Akemi: You are correct. I do need a long overdue rest and that is probably why I got sick in the first place. It’s nice of you to take some time to show me your support, thank you so much for this.
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Ebele: Oh that pic. I promise I haven’t forgotten this. But I figured the tree wouldn’t look so sexy without bloom or enough leaves. Now that we have moved into spring, things are starting to look better and more promising already.
So, you will get your pics babes. Otherwise I just have to fly to London and deliver those mangoes by hand.
I appreciate your nice words too Ebele and congrats on that awesome income you racked up last month. You go girl! Nothing is holding you back now.
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Friar: LOL, you had to mention the cricket didn’t you? What can I say. You are a bloke and my husband would have said the same so I guess it’s cool.
I have actually been to see some live cricket over the years and enjoyed it very much. However, on TV it makes me fall asleep, just like golf.
Where I live we have 5 channels. But we also have subscription TV guess for what – yep, exactly that.
Anyway, even that was shit.
I haven’t seen a “normal” TV show in about a year now since the constant bombarding of ads every 3 minutes or so is enough to send me over the edge.
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ WD: Wow, that is a nice comment by you. Thank you. I really didn’t expect this at all. I guess we are only just getting acquainted really.
As for the thoughts, I’m glad if they helped you in some ways. I suppose I always look for lessons learned from any bad experience. Mind you, I only learned this over the past couple of years.
But it certainly beats the complaining over the long term (not that I don’t complain, I’m actually a bad sick person as I get very moody and sookie). Thank god I usually am not sick that often.
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Erik: Hey, I’m not holding it against you. Sometimes I am guilty of that too. Thanks also for your tips on the immune system protection. Although I wouldn’t mind shaping up a bit to fit into a nice bikini for my cruise next year.
But I guess doing it the sick way isn’t the fun way, plus, it isn’t healthy anyway.
I promise to watch myself and keep eating those goodies. You might like to hear that I had a great big plate of steamed vegies for lunch today.
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Vered: Thank you. I understand the moving on part very much. I suppose, sometimes it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of this. It brings us back down to earth.
My clients were outstanding. I have to say that I was concerned about a couple of them, but I worried for noting and what you said is so correct.
LOL, your comment on TV made me laugh out loud.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment.
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Medic: Cheers. I’m glad too. It’s nice to be back actually.
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Jylan: I guess I just hide and feel sorry for myself when I am sick. LOL. Couch potato just got a new definition.
Anyway, have to be good for our “date” this week don’t I? Pizza, here we come. You hungry yet?
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Wendi: Very true, you hit the nail on the head with your comment. I might actually write a post about this because I think many people forget the fact that there are running costs to be considered.
I suppose I needed to experience the situation first to learn the lessons. At least this way they stick. Thank you too for your kind words.
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Kelly: Oh, you are so wise. Your comment about the body’s reaction is so spooky because I think you are right. I was operating on reserve for a while and in hindsight it is no surprise this happened.
I’m sorry to hear about your migraines too. I hope you are feeling better. Don’t worry about the feeling sorry for yourself. Believe me, I do that too.
Answering all the great and supporting comments on your post was the least I could do. Yours was the only “action” on the computer in that time and all I could handle too. I would have felt too bad not to reply to them.
Thank you again for giving me this opportunity. You certainly had me come out of the box some more.
Smart women, that is all I can say.
Kelly is “She with the Power”
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Cath: Yes for sure. It was a manifestation, albeit a nasty one of my previous thoughts. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to make me feel welcome back.
Monika | Sep 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Alex: It’s interesting you said that about the overwhelming part. I feel like that too occasionally and like you, I just have to take some time out. It sure helps.
I love your idea on the workshop too. It will certainly help to boost your income for those rainy days. Plus, I can’t in the world imagine your workshops wouldn’t be anything less than spectacular.
Brett Legree | Sep 10, 2008 | Reply
@Monika,
Oh, I know… I’ve just been meaning to track you down for a chat for a dog’s age
ah well, we’ll catch up soon enough…
It will be so much easier when we’re on the same side of the planet!
Jenny | Sep 10, 2008 | Reply
I’m glad you are better! It’s not fun to be sick, especially with the flu! Of course that doesn’t make me want the flu shot but that’s another story.
I’m glad you had the chance to realize that the world doesn’t stop if you stop. We will continue, while it may suck it is a fact of life!
Stay well!
Kelly | Sep 11, 2008 | Reply
Sorry to hear that you got flu. The best way to cure it is having enough rest and good food. Reading your previous post, I know that you like to work. Just a friendly reminder, don’t wait for flu to get some rest from your job. Hope you’ll get perfect recovery soon.
Monika | Sep 11, 2008 | Reply
@ Kelly: Thank you for your advice. I do appreciate it very much. I’m afraid I’m a bit of an extremist. I either work too much, or else I relax too much. Struggling with the balance thing in between.
betshopboy | Sep 16, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika
Sorry to hear about your ordeal. Glad that you’re back and feeling better now. I’ve been pretty absent online (posting, reading, commenting) myself due to some virus troubling my tummy.