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 I’m broke because I freelance.” It doesn’t matter how much work you do or how well your business is going — there’s this lingering idea that freelancing equals no money.

I’ve been freelance for years now. Never have I complained, and yet, the people in my life still treat my career like it’s a fragile china dish that is about to shatter everytime I see them. 

Sure, this is partly because they don’t understand what I do (what’s an SEO copywriter anyway?), but part of it comes from the negative freelance stereotype. 

Let’s unpack where that stereotype comes from, why it can be so damaging, and how to handle it when it comes up (because it always does).

Why Do People Assume Freelancers Are Broke?

Freelancers have been stuck with a stereotype for years. People still picture the freelancer hunched over a laptop in pajamas, taking odd jobs, counting pennies, and surviving on instant noodles. 

Movies and TV shows haven’t helped. They often portray “creative freelancers” as struggling artists or people who “just can’t get a real job.” 

Now, I love Sex and the City. And as glamorous as Carrie Bradshaw was, there are whole episodes dedicated to her not being able to pay off her apartment — and she rarely spends a whole day working. 

This compounds the stereotype, and there have been countless times that people in my life assume my days are empty and that I sit around doing nothing until the rest of the world clocks off at 5pm. 

Need more freelance work? Read this.

It’s also a cultural thing. Many people were raised to believe that a steady paycheck equals stability, and anything outside that structure must be risky. They don’t see the invoices, the retainer clients, or the systems freelancers build to make a living. 

To them, “self-employed” sounds like “unemployed,” and they’ll ask questions like “Are you still doing that freelancing thing?” as if it’s a hobby instead of a career.

What’s odd is how openly people feel entitled to bring it up. No one would say to a teacher or engineer, “Wow, how do you survive doing that?” But for freelancers, people seem to think it’s a normal topic.

Why That Can Be Damaging for Freelancers

Hearing those comments over and over chips away at your confidence. 

The truth is, it can make you question your worth. When someone implies that you’re broke or unstable because of your career choice, it creates this quiet sense of embarrassment that doesn’t belong to you.

I’ve been asked, “When are you getting a real job?”, even though I’m booked up for months and making enough money to rival in-house salaries. Yet the doubt still creeps in/

You might start second-guessing whether you’re doing enough to prove you’re successful, even when you’re doing great work. And when people close to you don’t take your business seriously, its accomplishments often go unnoticed and make you feel undervalued or invisible. 

Note this: You are enough. This stereotype doesn’t represent you, and you’re doing a great job.

How to Respond When Someone Assumes You’re Broke Because You Freelance

The next time someone hints that you must be struggling, take a deep breath and remind yourself that their comment says more about them than you.

You don’t need to defend your income or list your clients to prove anything. If you want to respond, keep it light. You can laugh it off and say something like:

• “I actually do pretty well, thanks for asking,” 
• “I love being my own boss — it’s working for me.”

But you also don’t have to engage. You can simply move the conversation along and just keep doing your thing. The people who get it, will get it. The rest will eventually see your success for what it is. This is why I created The Freelance Balance, to remind freelancers that we’re all in it together.

I tend not to bring up how much I earn or who I work for. Most people don’t get what I do unless they’re in the industry. 

However, I do make a mental note of it, and avoid bringing up work with the person in the future. In my opinion, it’s just not worth it. But we might deal with things in different ways!

Do People Really Make Money from Freelancing?

While we’re on the topic, here’s a reminder that yes, freelancers do make money.

Freelancers are thriving across every niche imaginable. There are writers, designers, developers, consultants, and marketers who earn solid, stable incomes from their freelance businesses.

The key to success is to treat freelancing as a business, not a side hustle. With clear rates, reliable systems, professional boundaries, and consistency, it becomes just as legitimate and profitable as any traditional job.

The next time you catch yourself thinking, “my family always thinks I’m broke because I freelance,” remember that the data from Upwork’s research says otherwise:

• American freelancers make an average of $99,230 per year
• 78% of CEOs say that freelancers are essential to their business
• 82% of skilled freelancers say their opportunities have grown since 2024
• Together, freelancers have generated approximately $1.5 trillion USD in 2024

Do I need to add anything else?

What Is a Typical Day for a Freelancer?

Let’s tackle the other misconception: that freelancers don’t do anything from Monday to Friday.

This one really irks me. So many people in my life think I sit around staring at the walls from 9 to 5. But I have to remind myself that this isn’t them thinking I’m lazy, it’s what society shows them about freelance life on TV.

A freelance day includes:

• Emails and client messages – prioritize tasks and deadlines.
• Work on client projects – writing, designing, coding, or consulting.
• Administrative tasks – invoicing, contracts, scheduling, and most importantly — TAXES!
• Marketing and outreach – pitch new clients or update your portfolio.
• Breaks and flexible personal time – balance work with rest and errands.

Freelancers are much more consistent than you think. Sure, it’s not always predictable, but it’s rewarding to know your effort directly builds your income and freedom.

I work like a well-oiled machine. I plan my weeks in advance, scheduling 4-5 hours of client work and one hour of admin. 

Some days I have other appointments, and maybe I’ll clock off early now and then, but my secret sauce is keeping regular hours. Clients love reliable freelancers!

Will AI Replace Freelancing?

Now for another question that’s popping up more often. It’s a fair ask, but the short answer is no. 

AI is changing how freelancers work, not replacing them. AI tools can help streamline research, brainstorming, or repetitive tasks, but they can’t replace creativity or lived experience. These are the things clients actually pay for.

So, don’t worry! It’ll be okay. 

Last Thoughts

It’s tough. Even with the self-reflection and perspective in this blog, it’s easy to catch yourself  thinking, “my family always thinks I’m broke because I freelance.” 

Remember that this belief comes from outdated ideas about work and success. You don’t have to prove your worth to anyone. 

At the end of the day, your results and freedom speak louder than old stereotypes ever could.

Need a little help? Read more on The Freelance Balance blog.