There’s a social media trend circulating right now where folks say, “Social media isn’t real, so here are some things I’m struggling with right now.” And as you could guess, they share things they’re struggling with in their respective lives.
I wanted to jump on the bandwagon and share some struggles I’m having as it applies to my freelancing career.
I think transparency is important, especially for someone who struggles more than they like to let on. So, here are some struggles I’m having right now as a freelancer:
1. Committing to being a full-time freelancer.
It may come as a shock, but I am not a full-time freelancer – although the majority of my income comes from freelancing. Since I began freelancing, I’ve also worked at various gyms and boutique fitness studios as a group exercise instructor.
Recently, I’ve been feeling the call to quit coaching group fitness and commit to full-time freelancing. But, I’m terrified. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you, dear reader, that living is expensive – and in the States, the economy is especially shitty right now.
The truth is, some months are slow and some are busy as a freelancer. Coaching gives me a secure source of income every 2 weeks to rely on. I don’t want to be in a position of financial insecurity during an economic downturn. On the flipside, it’s difficult to progress my freelancing career very much.
2. Drinking too much caffeine and not eating enough nourishing meals.
Does anyone else go straight for the coffee? Recently, I haven’t felt the energy or desire to make anything for myself – let alone a healthy meal. Fast food sounds great, but we obviously can’t hit the drive-thru everyday. So, coffee, coffee, and more coffee it is, then.
3. Raising my rates.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have some of the same freelancing clients for years now. They have provided me a steady income flow as well as learning and growth opportunities, plus an impressive portfolio.
However, my rates have stayed the same since I started working with them. As I mentioned before, the economy isn’t so hot in the States right now and living costs are getting extreme. The rates I was being paid in 2021 don’t cut 2024 living.
Plus, I’ve gained experience and skills in that time-frame. I know I’m due for a rate raise, but I’m nervous to make the plunge and lose clients.
4. Keeping a consistent schedule.
When you work a job, you’re scheduled to be there at a certain time and be done at a certain time. When you freelance or work for yourself, you are the one who sets the working hours. And discipline is a tough muscle to gain.
Since the early pandemic days, I’ve truly struggled to maintain a consistent schedule in freelancing. My work days are very scattered and chaotic – flying by the seat of my pants. Not to mention, I have the worst executive dysfunction and sometimes I can’t even decide where I want to begin.
5. Writing for myself and creating my own content.
Disclaimer: I love what I do as a contributing writer for multiple publications and social media manager for several businesses/brands. But, putting all my creative energy towards my client's work has resulted in a decrease of my own.
I used to love writing articles on Medium and publishing here on Substack, but writing on both has been few and far between. I also built a small community of freelancers on TikTok that I’ve been neglecting and losing.
Genuinely, I’m not trying to complain. I’m just trying to keep it real.
Some of the items on the above list are things I’ve struggled with for quite some time. Freelancing isn’t all fancy travel and first-class flights. It’s not all six-figure years and high-paying clients.
It can truly be a grind. To me, it’s still worth it.
I also love coffee! But don't forget to eat something nutritious as well. About focusing on your work, I hope you can also allot time for it. That has been one of my problems, too. It's great to have many clients, but we also want to grow something else and create our own content. Those can even be a means for passive income in the long run.