Freelance life = Freedom. But in reality, also Fatigue! Is it the biggest myth of the decade? That working for yourself is automatically easy and balanced. Spoiler alert: it’s definitely not.
Ah, freelancing. The dream, right? No more office politics. Work in your pyjamas. Make your own hours.
Until you realise “your own hours” often means all of the hours — because, behind those closed doors, there’s no one forcing you to stop.
The Reality Check
Freelancers are among the most overworked people we know.
Why?
• There's no off switch.
• You are the product, the service, and the admin.
• Clients expect flexibility, and we often over-deliver out of fear.
Where Balance Slips
• Working from bed becomes “still working at 10PM”.
• Saying yes and always trying to overdeliver leads to burnout.
• Constantly forgetting to eat lunch because you were “in the zone”.
So, what works?
Here’s what Fundi freelancers (and a few of us in-house) swear by:
1. Time blocking like a boss.
Treat your admin and rest time like billable hours.
2. Boundaries = freedom.
Set expectations early. And stick to them. “I don’t reply to WhatsApps after 6PM” is valid.
3. Weekly resets.
Mondays aren’t the enemy when you have a ritual. We like to start with outlining our weekly to do list with a flat white (and oat milk preferable).
4. Accountability buddies.
Check-in with a fellow freelancer. Have a laugh. Keep each other honest.
5. Permission to pause.
You’re allowed a slow day. No invoice required.
Balance isn’t a myth. It’s a mindset, and it starts with giving yourself permission to not hustle every hour.
You’re the boss. You set the pace. We’re just here to remind you it’s okay to log off.
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