Absolutely agreed. I just did the opposite--quit remote freelancing to take on a full time job (this one with insane hours unfortunately, 14hour/day average)--and my level of stress and unhealth has skyrocketed. Autonomy and agency matter, and part of that is the ability to choose the amount of and timing of working hours that are best for you.
I'm considering getting back into remote work and/or contracting but it's been some time since I last did so. For exactly the same reasons you're enjoying it now.
Do you have any pointers on finding permanent or contracted remote work? Most of the connections I had fron before have since died out.
- I'm more rested and stress free
- I get a lot more exercise and I eat healthier
- I'm much more efficient and motivated in my work
- My creativity and exploration into new fields has bloomed
I used to put almost all of my effort into my work, with not enough time devoted to maintaining and improving myself.