Category: Freelance Struggles
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When a Client Has Unrealistic Expectations (and What Freelancers Can Do About It)
Every freelancer encounters it eventually. A client who wants premium work on a tight budget, immediate turnaround with minimal input, or results that simply are not realistic given the scope. When a client has unrealistic expectations, it can quietly derail a project and strain the relationship. Left unchecked, it often leads to burnout and even…
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No One Replies to LinkedIn Messages — Why Not To Take It Personally
“No one replies to my LinkedIn messages.” This is one of the most common worries freelancers quietly carry, and one that still rings through my head every now and then. However, unanswered replies aren’t usually about you. When you dig deeper, the stress usually sits alongside deeper concerns about money, relevance or your personal brand,…
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Can You Be a Successful Freelancer Without LinkedIn?
If you think LinkedIn is the only way to land freelance clients, think again. Kind of. While LinkedIn can be a helpful platform for networking, it is not mandatory for building a successful freelance career, and many freelancers thrive without ever creating a profile. However, plenty of freelancers (like me) credit Linkedin as a huge…
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Why You Feel Embarrassed Of Your Freelance Work
If you’re secretly Googling “I am embarrassed about my freelance career,” in the middle of the night or obsessing over what your peers think of you, I want you to know that you’re alright — and not alone. Open LinkedIn and you’ll see hundreds of happy, smiling freelancers. They’re all winning and booked and busy….
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How Many Proposals Should You Send Before Worrying?
How Many Proposals Should You Send Before Worrying? Yes, sending proposals is part of freelance life, but worrying about them doesn’t have to be. If you’ve ever stared at your sent proposals folder or Upwork history wondering “Is something wrong with me?”, you’re not alone. Not at allllll. I’ve been here, and even after years…
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When Your Family Doesn’t Understand Your Freelance Career
Freelancing can be flexible and rewarding. You’re your own boss, and you’re in charge (most of the time). But it can also be lonely — not because you don’t have colleagues, but because your family and friends don’t understand, and may even make rude comments. One of the hardest parts of freelance is explaining your…
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Why Are My Freelance Job Applications Not Getting Responses?
Silence is one of the most frustrating parts of freelancing. You spend time researching clients, tailoring proposals, fighting the imposter syndrome, hitting “send,” and then watching days (or weeks) pass with no reply. You don’t even get a rejection or feedback. Just nothing. This is especially frustrating on sites like Upwork where you can see…
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The Pros and Cons of Upwork Client Reviews
Love them or hate them, client reviews are one of the most powerful parts of Upwork’s platform. They can open doors, build trust, pad out your profile, and help freelancers stand out in a competitive marketplace. But let’s not be one-sided. They can also introduce stress, uncertainty, and sometimes even unfairness. Like most things in…
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Is $3 an Hour Normal on Upwork? (2025 Reality Check)
If you’ve ever scrolled through Upwork, spotted a bunch of $3/hour profiles, and thought, “Is this what I’m competing with?” you’re definitely not the only one. When I first joined the platform, I was always snooping and looking at my competitors. But the $3 per hour rates blew my mind. And, let’s be honest, it…
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Why Upwork Clients Ask for Lower Rates – And How to Respond
Freelancing on Upwork can be incredibly rewarding, but one challenge almost every freelancer faces, and let’s face it, many complain about, is clients asking for lower rates. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced freelancer, the issue of rates never goes away — and as a freelance writer I can confirm this. However, understanding…