After a couple of days of limited internet connectivity left me in a state of deep panic and mortal gloom, I found myself wondering if there are any reliable contemporary statistics that compare the extent to which conditions such as stress and depression -- which are endemic in modern society in most developed economies -- affect the sole practitioner to a greater or to a lesser extent than they might trouble his more team-oriented colleagues. Presumably there are no available figures concerning sick-leave for the self-employed.
I have secretly envied the facility with which some people, who already get paid for not working over several weeks in the course of the year [ie they have holidays ...], can unilaterally "throw a sickie" and take the day off, secure in the knowledge that the system enables them to do so without the pricking of conscience I experience if I occasionally stray out of clicking distance of my mouse.
I think I may, in the distant past, have seen statistics produced by the Law Society showing Sole Practitioners as putting in longer hours than other solicitors. However, I think it is actually less stressful as a sole practitioner because you have so much more control over your life. If you are in need of a 'sickie' you just take a day off and work from home or whatever. Would be interesting to hear others' experience though.
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