Self-Isolation and Self-Sufficiency: Know When to DIY or Outsource

Lock-down has taught me one thing: there’s no such thing as self-sufficiency - not entirely.

It goes without saying, we rely on others for the distribution of food, clothes, jobs, medical care, etc, etc.

The long queues at supermarkets and the panic buying of necessities have led to a growing number of the population encouraged to lean towards being a little more self-reliant, by growing their own food and baking their own bread - as empty shelves of flour will tell you.

The Economist (April 4th 2020) reported '“The British Hen Welfare Trust rehoused 2,000 ex-battery hens in the week to March 29th; it has had requests for 20,000 more.”

The panic buying of chickens and flour is a clear indication that people are indeed keen to be more self-sufficient. There is a sense of satisfaction of enjoying the fruit of your labour in a direct and meaningful way, especially in times like these when many people are without work.

While we all know that no man is an island, it is important to know what you can and can’t control. What to DIY and what to outsource.

A friend of mine rose to the challenge of cutting her husband’s hair. She gamely took the kitchen scissors to try and recreate the short back and sides that social distancing makes impossible for someone outside the household to do, i.e. a professional.

‘These aren’t very sharp!’ she complained. ‘Ow, they’re sharp enough! That was my ear,’ he said, as she nicked him with the scissors.

One homemade haircut (and a sticking plaster) later and he was as happy with the results as he could be - so long as he doesn’t check the back with a hand mirror anyway…

Which goes to show that there are things we can do ourselves - cook, bake, raise fowl; and things that require a more trained hand.

I’ve always loved the word ‘outsourcing’ - especially when it pertains to things I’d rather not do myself. “I’m not lazy hiring a cleaner, I’m ‘outsourcing!’”

This lock-down might bring out hidden talents, or (like in my friend’s case) make you long for service to resume as normal.

One thing I hope it has brought is a renewed sense of purpose to the work that you are good at, enjoy, and most importantly the thing that serves other people.

The thing that brings you satisfaction and self-respect. That is something you can’t outsource.

The thing that makes you unique. Whether it be your design, bookkeeping, joinery, plumbing, hairdressing or sales (in the aforementioned friend’s case).

That’s when you shine and by focusing on that you will get even better.

This is why, as my world has shrunk to my small flat and my small family, my mission has become clear: to raise my boys and to be of service through my writing.

So if writing your marketing copy is a chore or fills you with dread, get in touch at rachel@rachelhunterwriting.co.uk.