part-time administration job
benefits: not having to figure out my own taxes and deductions; dedicated workspace; social contact; set schedule. drawbacks: even with a flexible workplace, i am beholden to someone else's schedule; salary negotiation; social contact.
honestly, this is the most basic thing that every adult is expected to do once in their life and i feel guilty for struggling with it. i think if i had a very simple job that i could do from home, i would be fine. i have yet to prove this.
consulting on individual projects
benefits: semi-regular schedule; specialised roles; higher pay than regular administration roles. drawbacks: pay negotiations; unsteady employment; have to do your own invoicing, scheduling, and bookkeeping.
the biggest problem i had doing this is that my anxiety doesn't want to just let me live. i fold so easily under pressure, but it regularly can get so bad that making simple decisions, such as whether to get dressed or what to eat, can be overwhelming. how does this stop me doing my job? imagine you feel terrible every time you speak to someone, and you can't write a simple text message without having a crying breakdown.
dog-walking
benefits: exercise; meet dogs; set your own schedule; set your own rates drawbacks: low pay unless walking multiple dogs or petsitting in addition; getting paid can be difficult; unsteady employment; the commute is killer.