In the Business 111 Coffee Pod, Liz Barclay and Matthew Knight discuss the mental health challenges faced by small business owners, freelancers, and sole traders. Barclay, a freelancer herself, highlights the feelings of isolation and the difficulty in finding help. Knight, who runs Leapers.co, shares insights from his eight years of research into mental health issues for small business owners and freelancers. He emphasizes that issues such as isolation, late payments, and 'ghosting' by clients are common problems that can significantly impact mental and emotional well-being.
Knight also identifies a prevalent issue of confidence among freelancers and small business owners. This lack of confidence often stems from comparing themselves to others' success stories on platforms like LinkedIn, late payments, and being ghosted by clients. These experiences can lead to a downward spiral, causing individuals to undervalue their work, avoid pursuing new projects, and isolate themselves further. The discussion underscores the importance of addressing these mental health challenges and creating meaningful connections within the freelance and small business community.
Liz Barclay
Matthew Knight
mental health challenges
small business owners
freelancers
sole traders
feelings of isolation
Leapers.co
late payments
ghosting by clients