Making Freelancing Work for Your Life (Not the Other Way Around)

On the outside, freelancing sounds like the perfect harmony between your work and personal lives. People imagine writers working in pajamas, sipping coffee, and reveling in the joys of being your own boss. Okay, some days, maybe the pajamas part is true (and the coffee part definitely is). But the challenges of balancing your professional life as a freelancer with personal time is uniquely complex. 

Without a clear “off-the-clock” time or boss telling you what to do, work can spill into the evenings and weekends. You may find yourself thinking about deadlines or checking your email to see if any pitches landed. 

If this sounds familiar, you aren’t alone. Whether you’re new to the game or have been freelancing for years, we’ve all been there at some point. 

Learning to separate work from the rest of your life is a skill that takes time to hone. Finding the right balance is an elusive goal many of us struggle to reach. It’s no surprise either. Here’s why: 

Why Is Work-Life Balance Hard for Freelancers?

1. Blurred Boundaries 

When you work from home, the physical boundaries of your office and living spaces overlap. It’s tempting to bring your laptop out to the couch to tackle one more task or check work emails on your phone after hours, but these habits get in the way of your “refill” time. 

2. Inconsistent Workloads

Freelancing is a feast-or-famine exercise for many writers. You’ll have more work than you can handle for a few weeks then a lull. The latter can drive you to overcompensate by seeking more work to avoid the stress of financial inconsistency—leaving you with no time for yourself and perpetuating a harsh cycle. 

3. No Built-In Breaks

Two weeks vacation. Lunch hours. Federal holidays. Not for freelancers. Although you have the luxury of taking off whenever you want to, there’s no one telling you to take time off, and certainly no one paying you for it. Many writers struggle with this pressure and don’t take breaks because they fear they’ll lose momentum, or worse, clients, if they do. 

4. Client Expectations 

It’s easy to fall into the trap of always being available when trying to please a roster of clients. Pressure to respond quickly and accommodate fast turnarounds can make it difficult to unplug. 

How to Create More Balance

There’s a lot working against a healthy work-life balance when you’re a freelance writer. Embracing the right boundaries and habits can let you enjoy flexibility freelancing offers. Because after all, if you don’t enjoy it, what’s the point of working for yourself? 

1. Define Your Work Hours (and Stick to Them)

You are your own boss, so give yourself a schedule. No matter if you prefer a classic 9-5 or a 9-11 then break for lunch and errands then work 2-4 then pick up the kids then work 6-8, you’re in charge. Clear boundaries around your work hours help create separation from your personal life. 

But remember, this only works if you stick to them. Write your hours down and treat them like any other job. 

2. Set Aside a Dedicated Workspace 

It can be as simple as a desk in the corner or as elaborate as a treehouse office, but you should have space dedicated to work. A physical boundary is just as important as time boundaries and help you mentally clock in and out. When you’re in the office, you’re at work. When you aren’t, you’re at home. Don’t cross the two. 

3. Give Yourself Vacation

If you’re freelancing full-time, I’ve found that it’s crucial to give yourself dedicated vacation time. Don’t just assume you’ll take time off. You won’t. Instead, set aside a week on the calendar—or a few long weekends—and fully unplug from work. You can set your schedule, so work ahead or plan ahead as needed. Giving yourself this downtime is crucial to preventing burnout and preserving your creativity. 

4. Learn to Say No

It hurts to turn down opportunities, especially if you don’t know where the next check is coming from. But not every job is worth your time. Saying yes to every project can leave you overworked and stressed. When a job comes across your desk, ask whether it aligns with your long-term goals and your current capacity. If not, learning the invaluable skill of saying no is the best thing you can do for your sanity. 

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