Going freelance can feel like freedom—and it is. But it’s also lonely, unpredictable, and full of quiet pivots you don’t always see coming. This reflection shares what I wish someone told me before I made the leap: the real challenges, the emotional work, and the reminders that kept me grounded when everything felt up in the air.
Let’s Start Here: Freelancing Is Romanticized, Until It’s Not
The idea of setting your own schedule, working with dream clients, and doing creative work on your terms? Beautiful.
But behind the scenes? It’s invoices, imposter syndrome, chasing contracts, and trying to be the admin, strategist, designer, and therapist—all before lunch.
I’m not here to scare you. I’m here to tell the truth—so you don’t go in thinking you’re doing it wrong just because it’s hard.
What I Wish I Knew:1. You’re not lazy. You’re unstructured. And that’s fixable.
It’s easy to go from overworked to overwhelmed when there’s no clear boundary between work and rest. I learned (too late) that structure protects creativity—it doesn’t kill it.
Build a rhythm. Even if it’s soft. Even if it changes.
2. Not every opportunity is a blessing. Some are distractions.
In the beginning, I said yes to everything. Every inquiry felt like a win. But saying yes out of fear left me with clients who drained me, projects that didn’t align, and work that paid late (or never).
You’re not being difficult for having standards—you’re protecting your peace.
3. Burnout can happen when you’re doing what you love.
Loving the work doesn’t mean you can’t be tired of the process. When your passion becomes your paycheck, boundaries matter even more. Rest has to be scheduled—joy has to be preserved.
Don’t forget to create outside of capitalism. Everything doesn’t need to be content.
4. Your rates are too low. Raise them. Then raise them again.
If you’re undercharging because you “just started” or “don’t have a big following,” stop. Your experience, energy, and emotional labor count. Undervaluing your work teaches people to do the same.
You don’t owe anyone a discount on your worth.
5. The isolation is real. So is the freedom. You’ll need both.
Freelancing can be lonely. Especially if you're the first in your circle to do it. But it’s also where I learned how to really hear myself again. How to redefine success on my terms. That freedom? Unmatched.
Build a creative circle—even if it’s just one person who gets it. You don’t have to do this alone.
What I’d Tell Anyone Going Solo
Final Word
Freelancing is a long game. Some days will feel messy, uncertain, and emotionally expensive. But it can also be the most creatively liberating thing you’ve ever done.
You won’t have it all figured out right away. But that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re becoming. And that part? That’s where the real power is.
Thinking about going freelance? Already in it and feeling a little lost? Tag or DM @MoodyStudiosCo and tell me where you’re at—I’ve got notes, templates, and tough love ready when you need it.
