What My Cat Can Teach You About Freelancing and Working from Home

2022-01-19

Happy New Year! As I take stock of the past year but mostly set goals for the current one, I’ve been observing my cat’s various and fascinating behaviors. It’s probably because I left her with a sitter for two weeks over the holidays and we both missed each other very much!

But anyway, my observations prompted me to write a second kitty-themed post since my first one was so much fun. So, here are the top 10 things my sweet Gemma (aka Little Jerk, or LJ) can teach us all about freelancing and working from home, with my translation into “hooman.”

1. Take Naps

Or find your equivalent, such as a daily meditative or relaxation practice or just some downtime away from your workspace. And make sure you get plenty of sleep.

2. Stretch

Do some yoga, core exercises, or basic muscle stretches to keep limber and prevent the shortening of hip flexor muscles (which happens when you sit at a desk all day).

3. Look Out the Window

Gemma cat sitting on her perch looking out the window

Look far into the distance to prevent eye strain. Do this several times a day.

4. Watch the Squirrels (or Lizards)

Series of three photos of Gemma cat watching a lizard through a window. In the first photo, the lizard is attached to the screen from the outside. In the second photo, the lizard has moved to the outside framing. In the third photo, only its tail is visible because it has slithered away from the window.

When you’re looking out the window, notice the physical world and appreciate all its wonders. Practice mindfulness techniques to get out of your head and reduce stress.

5. Mix Up Your Seating Positions

Gemma cat stretched out on the author's desk between the keyboard and computer monitor — (That’s the bottom half of a flamingo on the screen there, in case you were wondering.)

Change up your office ergonomics by trying a standing desk, sitting on a bean bag chair for a bit, or walking away from time to time.

6. Pounce

Gemma cat sitting at the top of her cat tree staring at the camera

Be ready to grab opportunities when they come. Answer potential client emails immediately, and reach out for the work you want.

7. Play for Play’s Sake

Gemma cat standing on the back of a couch next to a Christmas tree. She is reaching out a paw to bat the tree.

Scatter toys all around you. I recently discovered the wonders of pop-its and spinners from my, ahem, 49-year-old older brother (father of six and grandfather of four, I might add).

8. Snuggle With Soft Squishy Things

Gemma cat resting on the couch next to a soft pillow in the shape of a pineapple

Gemma cat snuggling on top of a bath towel in a laundry basket

Get a textured blanket and satiny pillows and even something to squeeze gently when stressed. My nine-year-old niece introduced me to squishmallows (I now have a pineapple, sloth, and unicorn—all in colors that match my décor, of course).

9. Be Careful You Don’t Get Bit

Selfie of author and Gemma cat. Author is laughing in background, while Gemma is in the foreground biting the author on the wrist.

Watch out for red flags and potentially difficult clients. Don’t take work you hate and don’t agree to hours that suck away your life force.

10. Seek Out the Sun

Find what makes you happy, and then soak it all in and relax.

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