The Freelance Balance

Real advice from a real freelancer. Because freelancing isn't always simple.

Category: Freelance Lifestyle

  • Do Freelancers Take Time Off Over Christmas?

    Do Freelancers Take Time Off Over Christmas?

    The holidays are supposed to be a time for rest, reflection, family time, and maybe a little too much dessert! Pass over the mince pies, please. But for freelancers, things aren’t always that simple.  Without the structure of an employer, many of us struggle to decide whether to keep working or finally switch off. And…

  • Why Are People Posting Selfies on LinkedIn?

    Why Are People Posting Selfies on LinkedIn?

    You open LinkedIn expecting to see industry insights or maybe you’re even job hunting.  And instead, there it is: someone clutching a latte, smiling earnestly into the camera, captioned “Just being authentic today ☕✨.” Welcome to 2025, where the platform once known for corporate headshots and jargon-filled updates has officially joined the age of the…

  • Can’t Unplug from Freelance Work? Here’s How to Find Balance

    Can’t Unplug from Freelance Work? Here’s How to Find Balance

    It’s Sunday afternoon, and your laptop is open. You tell yourself, “Just one more email,” but three hours later, you’re still responding to clients.  I do this every week. No matter whether it’s the evening, weekend, or holiday, I’m likely thinking about work even if my work hours are technically over. Many freelancers can’t unplug…

  • Weekend Client Work? When to Work Weekends and When Not To

    Weekend Client Work? When to Work Weekends and When Not To

    Working weekends as a freelancer is one of the most divisive topics in the community.  One moment you are finishing your week, looking forward to peace and quiet, the next a client emails asking for something urgent. It seems people assume freelancers are always available, even outside normal hours.  But when should you actually work…

  • Should You Make a Freelance Instagram Account?

    Should You Make a Freelance Instagram Account?

    Instagram is an insanely powerful tool.  Normal people go viral and their life changes overnight. Now just imagine if this happened for your freelance business! Before we get into whether you should make a freelance Instagram account, we need to start with a disclaimer. I’m a freelancer who doesn’t have an Instagram business account. I…

  • Why People Think You’re Broke as a Freelancer (and How to Respond)

    Why People Think You’re Broke as a Freelancer (and How to Respond)

    “And how are you doing for work? Earning enough at the moment?” You know the questions. Often followed with pitying eyes or a soft touch to the arm. If you’ve ever had someone in your life assume you’re struggling because you freelance, you’re not alone.  Many freelancers share the same quiet frustration: “People always think…

  • How To Schedule Time Off as a Freelancer

    How To Schedule Time Off as a Freelancer

    Balancing your workload and well-being is one of the trickiest parts of freelancing, and one I talk about a lot on this blog. Seriously, it sounds simple, but it’s sadly not. Unlike traditional jobs, you don’t get a guaranteed vacation or sick pay, so knowing how to take time off as a freelancer is essential…

  • Why Freelance Digital Minimalism Matters 

    Why Freelance Digital Minimalism Matters 

    Freelancers spend most of their day glued to screens.  Life’s a blur of non-stop client calls, proposals, endless emails, and last-minute deadlines. It’s no wonder we feel frazzled by the time we “finish” work (if we ever really do).  While the freelance grind never really stops, you can refresh yourself from the freelance stress every…

  • How To Sleep When Stressed About Freelance Work

    How To Sleep When Stressed About Freelance Work

    Catching a few ZZZs as a freelancer isn’t as easy as many might expect.  It often seems like there are two camps of freelancers. Camp A tends to sleep in and claim they’ve never been this relaxed. They love their newfound freedom and get 8+ hours of sleep every night. Full stop.  Camp B… Well,…