Curry, Covid and Self Employment Fears!

How My Carefully Crafted COVID-Free Bubble Was Burst by a Chicken Tikka Masala

As someone who has spent the last few years doing the COVID and illness in general cha-cha—two steps forward, one step back—I've mastered the art of avoiding germs like a pro. Masks, hand sanitiser, and keeping people at arm's length? Been there, done that. I have an immune-compromised family member and have done since I was pretty young in one way or another, so my “germ-dodging skills” are practically Olympic level. But little did I know that all my caution would be undone by... an innocent night out for a curry.

Yes, you read that right. After YEARS of avoiding crowds, becoming best friends with anti-bacterial spray, and perfecting the art of the "polite-but-firm fist bump," and literally avoiding hugs from people I don't know, my downfall was a plate of Chicken Tikka Masala. The irony is almost too rich to handle. (Unlike the naan, which was perfect, by the way.)

The Set-Up: A Foolproof Plan?

It all started with a well-deserved night out with friends. We picked a restaurant that looked clean enough to conduct surgery in, surveyed the room for any ill looking people, it was small, a few tables, an innocent couple sat sharing a bottle of wine and what looked like life secrets. I was in full command of the situation. Or so I thought.

Fast forward an hour: I’m three bites into a samosa, savoring every mouthful, when my friend cracks a joke that sends me into a laughing fit. Was it in that moment, with all my defenses down, did I practically hear the germs cheering in triumph.

A Post-Meal Regret

The next morning, I woke up fine or maybe—just maybe—that’s when the unwelcome guest had already decided to settle in. By day three, I had the whole works: scratchy throat, sniffles, and that tell-tale sluggishness that made me groan, “Uh-oh.” And NO! It wasn't a hangover as I don't even drink!

I took the test, fully expecting it to be negative (because, after all, I’m a germ-avoiding ninja), only to see those two little lines pop up like they were mocking me. Positive for COVID, courtesy of my own belated birthday meal. Joy.

The Aftermath: A Series of Ironies

Now, I’m not saying the chicken tikka was plotting against me, but the universe definitely was. I sat down on the Monday, writing my article thinking well it was a bit of a challenging week last week, but we have got this Sadler... onwards and upwards...we had something alright.

Months of keeping socially distant, dodging crowded spaces, a slightly unhinged addiction to hand gel and living like a hermit to protect my loved ones if I knew I was going to be needed to avoid the risk of getting ill —yet here I was, COVID-positive after a harmless curry night.

The real kicker? I spent the last six months dodging everything from parties to casual coffees with the precision of someone in the Matrix, but it took one night out, one naan bread, to bring me down. I should have known better. The universe works in mysterious ways, but I never expected it to be via an onion bhaji.

The Moral of the Story?

You can be as careful as you want—sanitise until your hands are practically peeling, avoid crowds like it’s your full-time job—but sometimes, life happens. In my case, life happened to be a side of pilau rice and a very delicious yet fateful Chicken Tikka Masala.

So if you’re reading this, take it from me: enjoy your nights out, but keep one eye on the curry and the other on the cosmos. It might just have other plans for you.

The Fear of Being Ill When Self-Employed: How to Prepare and Protect Yourself

I love being self employed - I thrive on the flexibility and control I have over my career. For many, self-employment offers freedom, autonomy, and the potential for greater financial rewards. But there’s one topic that comes up often—the fear of being ill?and the impact it can have on your livelihood. This last week was scary. I could not work. I lost my voice, lost the ability to breathe at times and spent a vast majority of it asleep. I also have a healthy fear of letting people down. It wasn't just work, I had to let my family down and ask for a last minute favour to ensure someone had what they needed.

It took multiple "you need to rest" from my husband, family and being told by Josh to stop stressing before I truly succumbed to the realisation that I was no good to anyone. In fact, the only part I can laugh at really is the look on Josh's face when I answered a video call during peak delirium to prove I was ok and looked like I had started early with my Halloween outfit. Sorry Josh - but thanks for calling!

When you’re self-employed, the safety net that traditional employment offers—such as paid sick leave or company health benefits—just isn’t there. The reality is, falling ill can mean loss of income, halted business progress, and added stress. I have been very lucky in that I have some plans already in place as learned a lesson from my broken leg, but it was different then, I had the back up of sick pay!

1. Accept That Illness Is Inevitable

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: we’re all human, and at some point, illness or injury will likely catch up with us. Denying this reality won’t help—planning for it will. Accepting that you won’t always be at your peak is the first step to proactively building safety nets around your business. The key is preparation, not panic.

2. Build an Emergency Fund

One of the most important things you can do as a self-employed professional is build a financial buffer. An emergency fund acts as your personal “sick pay.” Aim to set aside enough to cover at least 3 to 6 months’ worth of living expenses. While this may take time, even a small buffer can provide some breathing room during periods of illness or slow business. I am very lucky in that I had the ability to create this sinking fund prior to going self employed. I don't like using it, but at least it is there.

3. Consider Income Protection Insurance

Income protection insurance is designed to step in when you can't work due to illness or injury. It’s often overlooked by self-employed people, but it can be a lifesaver. Depending on your policy, it can cover a significant portion of your income, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to recover without financial pressure.

4. Look After Your Health Now

This sounds obvious, but it’s something many self-employed people overlook: your well-being?is the foundation of your business. Prioritise self-care and listen to your body. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest can go a long way toward keeping illness at bay. (As self-employed professionals, we’re often guilty of pushing through exhaustion to “get one more thing done,” but burnout is real—and it’s far more damaging than a day of rest).

5. Stay Connected

Being part of a professional network?can be an essential resource when you’re facing challenges like illness. Whether it’s other property professionals, freelancers, or business groups, having people you can turn to for advice or even temporary business support can make all the difference. Don’t isolate yourself—share your challenges and let your network support you when needed.

So is it worth it?!

Yes, being self-employed comes with risks, and illness is one of the most unpredictable. But with the right planning, you can reduce that fear and safeguard your livelihood. Building a financial cushion, considering income protection, automating tasks, and outsourcing when necessary are just some of the ways to ensure your business stays afloat while you take care of your health.

Being prepared doesn’t mean you’re expecting the worst; it means you’re ready for whatever comes your way.