The Freelance Balance

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

Category: Freelance Struggles

  • Freelance Burnout: When Should You Take A Break?

    Freelance Burnout: When Should You Take A Break?

    Freelance burnout is a term that pops up a lot on forums and in self-employed circles. But don’t write it off as another buzzword — this problem can be seriously damaging. As freelancers, we tend to be people who go above and beyond.  We are answering emails in the evening, taking on as many gigs…

  • Is Being a Freelancer Worth the Admin?

    Is Being a Freelancer Worth the Admin?

    Late payments and frustrating clients are common concerns for freelancers.  But they both fall under the “administrative” umbrella—a long list of tasks freelancers need to complete to ensure their businesses are well-oiled and performing well. In fact, it often feels like freelancers are doing more admin than paid work, and this might be frustrating if…

  • How To Navigate Free Samples As A Freelancer

    How To Navigate Free Samples As A Freelancer

    Getting a reply from a prospective client is cause to celebrate! You’re a step closer to nailing the project.  But wait, what’s this? A trial article? Without payment? Seeing “We require a quick unpaid sample” is enough to dampen any celebrations, especially if everything has seemed normal up until that point.  Now you’re at a…

  • Feeling Invisible As A Freelancer

    Feeling Invisible As A Freelancer

    Feeling invisible as a freelancer is one of the worst parts of the job — and it’s rarely spoken about.  You’ll find plenty of blogs on loneliness and freelancing, but feeling invisible is a whole other topic.  Let’s break the silence. Scroll down to hear my experience and learn how to cope with this difficult…

  • Not Enough Freelance Work? Here’s What You Need To Do

    Not Enough Freelance Work? Here’s What You Need To Do

    Sometimes, it feels like there isn’t much freelance work, but a new lead pops up, and you’re okay again.  However, sometimes there really is not enough freelance work or a project gets canceled, and you need to work your butt off to find the next client. If you’re experiencing a freelance job drought, don’t panic….

  • Is It Too Late To Start Freelancing?

    Is It Too Late To Start Freelancing?

    If you’re thinking about becoming self-employed but worried the ship has sailed, you’re not alone. Many wonder if they’ve missed the boat and think it’s too late to start freelancing. But here’s the reality: freelancing is more accessible now than ever before.  Take me, for example. I have a good few years of freelance experience,…

  • What To Do When A Client Cancels A Freelance Project

    What To Do When A Client Cancels A Freelance Project

    One minute, you’re thanking the freelance gods for filling your schedule with juicy work, and the next, you’re staring at your inbox, praying for some action. I get it! I’ve been there. Multiple times. When a client cancels a freelance project at the last minute, it’s easy to feel panicked. Even as I’ve gained experience…

  • Is Freelancing Stressful? An Honest Answer

    Is Freelancing Stressful? An Honest Answer

    To be or not to be a freelancer?  Whether that’s your question or whether you’re already in the freelance camp feeling overwhelmed, it’s no secret that self-employment can have blood-pressure-raising moments.  But is the career really as stressful as people say? And is now the right time to get started? As a freelance writer, I’ve…