11+ Hard Truths and Lessons I learnt as a Full-Time Freelancer
… and the harsh realities of freelancing that newbies should know!
First, a quick disclaimer: This post aims to enlighten you about the real expectations that every new freelancer should consider, and not to demotivate you.
According to a short article I read last year on LinkedIn, 1 in 5 freelancers pack up in their first year, while 6 in 10 freelancers may not last five years.
It’s been tough, but I’m thankful I made it through the early years, and I hope to navigate the complexities of the second set as well.
Every seasoned freelancer — especially those with four years or more of experience — will tell you that it takes time to build a solid sustainable freelance career while having repeat clients and a robust portfolio.
So, it beats me when I see creators out here selling the dream of teaching others how to make their first $1000 in one month as a new freelancer, and I can’t help but think — this should be taught in black and white, not the glamour version.
It’s somewhat ambiguous, right?
Don’t get me wrong; it is indeed possible to make $1000 in your first freelance month or even land a client in your first two weeks. However, unless you have one or two clients lined up before you become a full-time freelancer, the harsh realities of freelancing will hit you hard.
The fact is, freelancing isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme and most newbies fail because they give up too soon after they find out that what was preached did not come to pass as they thought.
Over the years, I have learnt that your success will depend, not only on how well you’ve mastered your skills and the quality of work you provide, but how serious you take your freelance business (yes, it’s a business).
1) Freelancing is a Business.
One of the most common misconceptions I see with new freelancers is that freelancing is a side hustle. As a business, you will register your craft, declare your turnover, pay taxes, evaluate your profits and losses, and build your venture with the aim of increasing your turnover each year.
Freelance requirements can differ significantly depending on where you’re situated. For instance, in countries like Nigeria, a formal business structure for freelancers may be lacking. Yet, in other places, such as France or the USA, freelancers must register their businesses, obtain a business number, pay social contributions, and file taxes at the end of the fiscal year.
On top of these responsibilities, you’ll have to manage the administrative side of your business, which includes invoicing, client management, and other essential tasks to keep your business running smoothly.
2) You Will Not Make Any Money in Your First Month
Let’s face it: this is a hard pill to swallow!
As mentioned earlier, unless you have several clients prepared to work with you, freelancing will not be as straightforward or gratifying as you think. It’s entirely possible that you won’t make a dime during your first three months — regardless of whether you’re using a freelance platform or not.
Often times, many clients won’t prioritize your qualifications or portfolio simply because you are a newbie, but that should not discourage you.
3) Finding Clients is Challenging
Every freelancer I know will agree that finding clients is the most challenging aspect of freelancing.
You will be rejected, ignored, come in contact with scam clients, find yourself underpaid, or be asked to do free work under unfavorable conditions by unpleasant clients.
The bitter truth is that you can’t simply wait for clients to come to you (which is what I initially believed). Instead, you have to actively seek them out.
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Prospecting or cold emailing can be daunting, but it is a vital part of freelancing. Waiting passively for clients to find you on freelance platforms won’t cut it. Unless you are an expert with a stunning portfolio and years of experience, you must go out there and actively seek your ideal clients.
4) You Will Meet Crazy Clients.
Pardon my language but that’s a fact!
Finding clients is one thing; maintaining lasting relationships with them after the project is another.
Along your journey, you’ll come across clients who do not have the intention to treat you fairly. They might negotiate low rates, delay payments, increase your workload mid-project, or expect you to complete tasks under unrealistic deadlines.
Some may even impose poor reviews if you refuse to adhere to their unreasonable demands.
In such situations, the harsh truth is that you must advocate for yourself; otherwise, you risk being perceived as naïve or inexperienced.
5) Your Income and Workflow Will Not Be Consistent
“In this video, I will show you how to generate high ticket clients and earn $4K+ monthly”.
We’ve all seen YouTube that video right?
Another sobering truth about freelancing is that you don’t get paid unless you work. The income can be very unpredictable and you will inconsistency in your workflow.
Simply put: if you don’t work, you don’t earn.
You may not have a clear understanding of when your next paycheck will arrive. Some clients won’t return, not necessarily because you did poorly, but because they may not have ongoing projects.
Yes, there will be good months, but there will also be bad months.
So, learning how to manage and save your income becomes vital so that you can weather the slow months until new gigs come along.
6) There is No Job Security
Unlike traditional employment, freelancing offers no sick leave, no unemployment benefits, no paid vacations, and you are easily replaced if the client no longer needs your services.
In fact, you could be swamped with projects for three months and then find yourself unemployed for the next two months.
The absence of job security is, in fact, a bitter truth of freelancing.
7) You Might Be Underpaid.
One harsh reality is that you could end up underpaid, especially when starting.
Many clients may be unwilling to pay what your skills are worth, which could lead you to take on projects that don’t compensate you adequately, just to make ends meet.
So, while it’s essential to take on smaller gigs to build your portfolio, continually accepting low rates can affect your confidence and devalue your work in the long run.
Before I bow out, freelancing is actually a fulfilling yet challenging career path that isn’t suited for everyone but if you’re prepared to approach freelancing with a business mindset and a realistic perspective on the challenges involved, you can gradually make a space for yourself in this competitive market.
Remember: freelancing is not a get-rich-quick scheme— it takes time, effort, and resilience.
You can read the longer version of this article on my blog, and feel free to share your experiences as well.
Toodals!
