In my previous post I started talking about the myths surrounding freelance life and how things really are.
Remote work is perceived differently by everyone. For some, it's a main and successful source of income, for others — a side hustle in the evenings, and some don’t even consider it a real job.
Still, freelancing is work — and it can bring in even more income than a traditional office job. The key is approaching it the right way, and then your dreams can definitely come true.
That’s exactly what I’ll continue talking about today.
6. Work isn’t work anymore
Myth:
Breakfast meetings at cozy cafes, afternoon naps, working in pajamas, and completing a full week of tasks by Wednesday night.
Reality:
When you start freelancing, get ready to work harder than ever to get clients, build connections, and learn how to manage projects. In reality — especially in the beginning — the busier you are, the better you perform. If you’re finishing a week’s worth of work by Wednesday afternoon, you’re probably doing something wrong — and soon you’ll be back at a day job, regretting that you didn’t push harder to build a freelance career.
From myth to reality:
Hard work pays off, and eventually you’ll have more free time than someone working a 9 to 5. But first, you’ll need to invest time, stay super organized, reliable, and be truly committed — because freelancing requires a specific kind of person with genuine dedication.
Helpful tip:
No tips here — this one’s all about your own mindset and discipline. If you want a return later, you’ve got to put in the effort now.
7. You’ll have more time for friends
Myth:
With all that free time, you’ll be able to hang out with friends whenever you want, go to parties and events all the time.
Reality:
You forgot one detail: you may be freelancing with what feels like lots of free time, but your friends still work 9 to 5. They’ll likely ask you for favors since you’re “available,” and their only day off might be the one when you’re swamped with work.
From myth to reality:
It all comes down to schedules and planning. You really can spend more time with friends — if you plan your work and personal time wisely.
Helpful tip:
Don’t obsess over your old social circle. As a freelancer, you have the freedom to make new connections, attend daytime events, or even join a gym — you’re sure to meet interesting people. Don’t forget about freelance communities and forums, where you can find like-minded individuals. You might even meet a future partner for your projects.
8. You need to lower your prices to win clients
Myth:
As a freelancer, you’re competing with others — and to land jobs, you’ll have to lower your rates. Basically, it’s time to tighten your belt and live on crackers and water.
Reality:
If you’re an established freelancer, lowering your prices can actually hurt you. Clients care about quality. Undervaluing yourself can scare off potential customers who think you won’t deliver or aren’t qualified. People are starting to realize — cheaper isn’t always better.
From myth to reality:
When you’re just starting out and maybe still working a full-time job, it’s totally fine to do small projects for friends, past employers, or coworkers with tight budgets. This helps you build experience, credibility, and — most importantly — reviews.
Helpful tip:
This has been said before, but it’s worth repeating: if you don’t have anyone to do sample work for, create your own. And when it comes to reviews, take on a few small projects for a symbolic fee to build up your base. That way, you won’t have to lower your prices later — you’ll raise them as your skill and quality grow.
9. As a freelancer, you can focus only on what you love
Myth:
I’m an artist, designer, or developer, and as a freelancer, I can earn a living doing what I love.
Reality:
Sure, that’s part of it. But there’s another side — you're also your own CEO, accountant, sales team, and project manager. Freelancing means developing a whole new set of skills that go far beyond the ones that made you fall in love with remote work in the first place.
From myth to reality:
Ask more experienced freelancers for advice, do your own research, and study the freelance market as much as you can. Learn how to communicate with clients and how to sell your services effectively.
Helpful tip:
Never stop growing. That’s the only way you’ll actually do what you love — working on projects you enjoy and feeling fully satisfied with your work. The more experienced you become, the less stress secondary tasks will cause, freeing you up for creative work.
10. Working from home is awesome
Myth:
There’s nothing more amazing than working from home.
Reality:
Sure, working from home can be great — your own space, your own schedule, no commute. But on the flip side, it can also be mentally tough. Eventually, you might start feeling isolated and miss the social interaction that comes with office life.
From myth to reality:
Make time to get out and see people — otherwise, you risk blurring the line between work and personal life. Renting a coworking space occasionally or working from a nearby café can help. You can also connect with other freelancers in your city and meet up to solve work-related challenges together.
Helpful tip:
Becoming a freelancer is a great way to balance work and life while staying truly happy. But don’t forget to check in with yourself every now and then to make sure you’re not trapped in an endless work-from-home cycle, turning into a shut-in who only sees people on TV.