Gift Wogu

So You Want to Be a Full-Time Freelancer? Let’s Talk Realities.

I started freelancing in April 2019, and let me tell you—it’s a constant fight for your life. When it’s good, it’s like, “Yes! I’ve cracked the code. Best. Decision. Ever.” But when it’s bad? Whew. You’re sitting in the dark, questioning every decision that led you here, asking, “Who sent me?”

It’s been a hot minute since I updated my blog (life, has been trying me), but for my comeback, I decided to talk about something everyone wants to know: the things no one tells you about being a full-time freelancer. The Instagram posts and LinkedIn success stories make it look like the dream life: flexibility, being your own boss, setting your rates, earning thousands of dollars per month, working in pajamas—what’s not to love? Spoiler alert: there’s a lot they don’t tell you.

Here are some hard truths and tips from someone who’s been in the trenches.

1. Lack of Stability

Freelancing can be wildly unstable. One month, you’re rolling in cash, and the next, you’re Googling, “how to survive on noodles for a month.” Clients can ghost, cancel, or—worse—not pay. And guess what? Your landlord doesn’t care that your check didn’t clear. Bills will bill, and rent will rent. If you’re considering freelancing full-time, make peace with this uncertainty.

2. Lack of Structure

The fantasy of being your own boss sounds cute until you realize you’ve been working in bed at 3 a.m. because you said yes to every project out of fear of going broke. Finding structure as a freelancer is tough, but it’s essential. Without it, you’ll blur the lines between work and life and burn out faster than toast left in a faulty toaster.

3. Pricing Drama

Freelancers, know your worth. Early on, I charged based on vibes, and boy, did I regret it. You’re not just pricing the work—you’re pricing your time, effort, and tools. Apps aren’t free, meetings take time, and stress isn’t cute. I now charge per word or project scope, and trust me, the right clients will pay without batting an eye. Pro tip: don’t let desperation talk you into charging peanuts. Your rent isn’t paid in peanuts, so don’t settle for them.

4. Lifelong Learning

Freelancing isn’t a “get clients and chill” gig. You have to constantly sharpen your skills. If your clients start asking for services you can’t offer, that’s your cue to learn something new. For instance, you can transition from long-form content to exploring social media copywriting. It’s all about staying relevant.

5. Emergency Funds Are Non-Negotiable

Freelancing paychecks can be erratic, so you need a cushion. Save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses before diving in full-time. It’s not glamorous, but it’ll save you from a world of stress.

6. Self-Motivation is Key

In freelancing, there’s no boss breathing down your neck. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, if you’re not disciplined, that dream turns into chaos. If you’re lazy, freelancing will humble you real quick. Flexibility is great, but treat your work with the seriousness it deserves.

7. Isolation is Real

Freelancing often means working alone. If you’re someone who thrives on human interaction, this can be tough. I worked from coworking spaces occasionally to beat the loneliness. Switching up your work environment can make a world of difference.

8. Build a Personal Brand

Your personal brand is your freelancing secret weapon. Share your journey, your work process, and those cringe-worthy moments on social media—trust me, they’re relatable. I’ve grown my TikTok to nearly 5,000 followers by posting “silly videos,” and it’s brought visibility I never imagined. Cringe? Maybe. Effective? Definitely.

9. Apply, Apply, Apply

Work won’t magically land in your lap. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork are great, but don’t underestimate LinkedIn or cold-emailing potential clients. Freelancing is equal parts pitching and working.

10. Deliver Excellent Work

Not every client will be a dream, but your work should always shine. Building a reputation for excellence sets you apart and keeps clients coming back. Of course, you’ll encounter difficult clients, but ensure that you always keep your work excellent.

Freelancing is a rollercoaster—equal parts exciting and terrifying. While I do not freelace full-time, I have in the past and I understand how challenging it can be. If you’re ready to jump in, I hope these tips help you navigate the ride. Got anything to add? Drop it in the comments! Oh, I have a book on freelancing if you’d like. And don’t forget to follow me on TikTok and YouTube for more freelancing tips. Cheers!