7 Honest Lessons I Learned from 7 Years of Freelancing

When people ask what I do, I usually say, “I’m a freelancer.”

And then I pause — because that one word can mean a lot of things and not everyone understands it. Freelancing is working independently, taking on projects for different clients instead of being tied to one company. It can be content creation, writing, design, marketing — anything that lets you work remotely and on your own terms. 

It sounds dreamy, right? No boss, no office, no 9-to-5. But here’s what many don’t see — freelancing also means unstable income, sleepless nights, and days when you doubt yourself. It’s a path full of freedom, yes, but also full of uncertainty.

When I started seven years ago, freelancing wasn’t “cool.” Some people didn’t even believe it was a real job because of freelancing jobs are work from home or you need to be on site on somedays.

I became a freelancer back in 2018 where I worked as a copyrighter and ghost writer. Then I also accepted jobs like transcription and data entry. Then, just a year after, I was hired as a virtual assistant and that lasted until last year 2024. I am also doing blogging and content creation since 2016. I also worked for a digital marketing agency as a creative director, photographer, graphic artist, and production assistant for like two years and it's also freelancing.

But here I am, seven years later — still doing it, still learning, and still figuring things out one deadline at a time.

So here’s a little real talk from someone who’s been in it for a while.

These are 7 things I’ve learned from 7 years of freelancing — the unfiltered version, the side we don’t always see on social media.

1. Freelancing is not stable.

Let’s be honest — it’s not a consistent ride. There are high-paying months that make you feel unstoppable, and then there are slow seasons when inquiries are quiet and invoices are delayed. You learn to save when it’s good, and to survive when it’s not. 

Financial stability takes time here — and that’s okay. 

2. It is a wide and growing industry — especially for creatives.

Before, people didn’t really understand what freelancing was. Some thought it wasn’t a “real job.” But over time, it’s become a space where creatives can truly thrive — from writers and designers to photographers and digital marketers. It’s an industry that keeps growing, and I’m proud to be part of it.

3. Freelancing shaped my career mindset.

It’s more than just projects — it’s personal growth in progress.

It taught me how to value my time, skills, and creativity — something I didn’t always do when I was just starting out. I learned to say no to lowball offers, to set boundaries with clients, and to take breaks when I need them.

Freelancing isn’t just about earning; it’s about building confidence in what you can bring to the table and realizing that your work has value — even if others don’t fully understand it yet.

4. You’ll question your worth — a lot.

Pricing is one of the hardest parts of freelancing. When you’re starting out, you’ll undercharge. You’ll compare your rates to others. You’ll doubt yourself.

But with time, you learn that you’re not just charging for the task — you’re charging for your experience, creativity, and peace of mind.

No matter how good you are, some clients will leave. Sometimes it’s about budget, sometimes priorities change. Don’t take it personally. Sometimes it will hurt, but trust me, you will be okay. You can find 

Use it as a chance to grow, refresh your portfolio, or find clients who fit your direction better.

5. Finding balance is just as important as finding clients.

When I started, I used to say yes to every project and client that came my way — until I realized I was running out of time for myself. I remember when I first became a virtual assistant. I did all the work solo and I overtime like for hours. I work 12 hours a day. Haha! I was so happy because I got to earn well. But little did I know, it will cost my sanity and my personal time. When I worked for a digital marketing agency, our schedule was so full and I admit, it did give me burnout. 

Freelancing can easily blur the line between work and rest, so it’s important to find your balance. You don’t need to take on too much to prove yourself. Choose the right clients, manage your time wisely, and remember that rest is also part of productivity.

6. Freelancing is not all freedom and coffee shops.

People often romanticize freelancing as total freedom — no boss, no office, no 9–5. But the truth? You become your own everything — boss, designer, editor, accountant, marketer, and sometimes even your own HR. And honestly, the real bosses are your clients.

I know people often see me traveling most of the time, but the reality is—I still work wherever I go. I always bring my laptop with me and make sure to allot time for work, which means my itinerary usually starts late or I try to finish tasks ahead before the trip.

Some might think it’s fancy that I get to work while traveling, but honestly, it’s not as ideal as it seems. It’s not always healthy, and I don’t really get to enjoy or maximize the experience. What should’ve been a real break often turns into just a change of workspace instead of a true vacation.

Freelancing isn’t always flexible; sometimes, it takes more than 8 hours a day to finish tasks and meet deadlines. There’s no fixed time for work — you can receive client messages, revisions, or urgent requests at any hour. It’s still work, just in a different setup — one that requires discipline, boundaries, and self-management more than ever.

7. It builds resilience.

Freelancing teaches you how to survive and stand your ground — to adapt when projects fall through, to learn new skills when trends change, and to keep going even when no one’s watching.

You’ll experience slow months, demanding clients, and moments of self-doubt, but these are the same challenges that build your grit. Every delay, rejection, or failed pitch becomes part of your growth. You learn to pivot, adjust, and try again.

It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it — because every struggle shapes you into someone more capable, more confident, and more grounded in your craft.

Final Thoughts

Seven years later, I’m still here — not always on top, but still standing. Freelancing has given me freedom, growth, and a community I never expected. But more than that, it’s taught me grit — to keep showing up and creating, no matter what the season looks like.

If you’re just starting out, take it slow. Learn, fail, rest, and try again.

Because in this kind of work, the journey really is the best part. 🤎