10 Things They Don’t Tell You About Working From Home and Being a Freelancer
The Remote Work Dream... and RealityWorking from home and freelancing full-time sounds like the dream, right? No commute, more freedom, and maybe even working from a beach in Cebu or a cozy café in Copenhagen. And honestly? A lot of it is amazing. But there’s a side no one talks about on LinkedIn — the weird, wonderful, and sometimes frustrating truths that come with this lifestyle.
After years of balancing client calls, strategy decks, coffee refills, and the occasional existential crisis from various corners of the world, here are the 10 things nobody really warns you about.
1. Your Wi-Fi Speed Becomes a Core Personality Trait
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Once you go remote, your relationship with internet speed hits a new level of intensity. You’ll learn to test download/upload like your life depends on it — because sometimes, it does. Especially when your client in London is waiting on a video call and your router decides to take a nap.
2. You’re the Boss — And Also the IT Guy, Janitor, and HR
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You have full autonomy, but that means you’re also in charge of everything. Client onboarding, invoice chasing, email management, snack runs, printer errors — it’s all you. Empowering? Absolutely. Exhausting? Sometimes.
3. Productivity Isn’t a Straight Line (It’s a Rollercoaster)
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One day, you’re in the zone knocking out projects like a machine. The next, you're reorganizing your Google Drive folders and watching videos about productivity... instead of being productive. The key? Learn your natural rhythm and build systems that work with your energy, not against it.
4. People Think You’re Always Free Because You're Home
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Friends and family assume "home" equals "available." You’ll get texts like, “Can you help me move a couch at 2PM?” or “Since you’re not doing anything…” Setting clear boundaries (and sometimes just turning your phone off) is essential.
5. The Line Between Work and Life Gets Real Blurry
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You’ll promise yourself you won’t check emails after dinner — and then find yourself replying at midnight. Working from home means your office is always right there. Create physical and mental separation, even if it’s just a different chair.
6. Isolation Sneaks Up on You (Even If You’re an Introvert)
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No coworkers to chat with. No spontaneous coffee breaks. It’s peaceful... until it’s not. Virtual coworking, regular check-ins with fellow freelancers, or even working from a co-working space can make a huge difference.
7. Clients Are Like Dating: There’s Ghosting, Chemistry, and Red Flags
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Every new client is a mini relationship. Some are dreamy. Some ghost you after the first project. And others? Red flags everywhere. Learn to trust your gut, set boundaries early, and always get things in writing.
8. Your Calendar Becomes Your Lifeline
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You’ll start scheduling everything: deep work blocks, walks, client calls, lunch, and even “do nothing” time. Without structure, the day runs you. With it, you run the day.
9. You Redefine Success (And That’s a Good Thing)
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Success might not look like a 9-to-5 title or a corner office. It could be a client you believe in, a four-day workweek, or working remotely while spending time with your kids. Freelancing helps you design your own version of fulfillment.
10. You Wouldn’t Trade It — But You're Still Figuring It Out
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Despite the chaos, the freedom is unmatched. You’re constantly learning, adjusting, growing — and that’s part of the magic. The freelance life isn’t always picture-perfect, but it’s real, and it's yours.
Final Thoughts: Welcome to the Club
Working from home as a freelancer isn’t just a job shift — it’s a mindset shift. One where you wear many hats, make your own rules, and learn a lot (often the hard way). It’s not for everyone, but if you’re here for the journey, it can be incredibly rewarding.
👉 Over to you: What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before going remote or freelance? Drop it in the comments or share this with a friend who’s just getting started.
