Independent Workers

7 min readAug 17, 2025

Are freelancers that free?

Freelancing is an option to live a free life, free from the constraints of a 9-to-5 life in an office setting. Working from home or basically anywhere is the dream. But is it the whole reality?

The origin of the word itself is freelancer.

A lancer is a type of cavalry soldier who specializes in fighting with a lance, a long spear designed for horse-mounted combat. According to Merriam-Webster, a freelancer was a term used in that era in reference to a medieval mercenary who would fight for whichever nation or person paid them the most. This term first came into English in the early 1800s, and the earliest written evidence for this use (so far, that is) is in Sir Walter Scott’s novel, Ivanhoe, where a feudal lord refers to the paid army he assembled.

Nowadays, it means those who can work freely for multiple clients at the same time, regardless of the industry.

The pandemic also opened up the option to work remotely, and that might increase the number of freelancers globally. Some even go as far as being digital nomad workers.

For sure, freelancers are not free work. We do get paid, and we must fight for a decent rate. It’s not voluntary work.

However, is the nature of the work really that free?

Bad news! It’s not. As with all kinds of work, we still have restrictions. At the very least, deadlines.

I can’t survive without writing down everything manually

The freedom part is more about flexibility. Flexibility on working hours, workload, and clients. With more experience and credibility, we have a better bargaining position. It shows that with more opportunities knocking on our door, and instead of seeking jobs, we get to choose which ones to take.

What do we do with the ones we don’t take? Shoo them away? God forbid!

We might not be able to take them at this moment, but we still need to maintain a good rapport with every single one of them—even the ones offering us projects outside our field of expertise or lower rates. We can send our CV and rate card, and provide references from some of our colleagues for the current project, but once they have a project that aligns with our expertise and rate, there might be a chance that our name becomes their top-of-mind. This is a well-proven theory, by myself and some other friends.

Now, on to the more critical part.

How to handle the one(s) we take.

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The more we take, the more we have to juggle.

There are three aspects we need to manage, which I wrote about in my WordPress article last year.

Time management

Planning and prioritizing. Starting each day, I’d know how many projects I have to do, for which client(s), and my minimal load of the day.
Time tracking. I circle back to the handwritten agenda. I note down everything I need to do, but on a daily basis, not on an hourly basis, due to the unpredictability of how my day goes.
Batch tasks. This one is optional, since it depends on so many things.
Whether it is possible, relating to the deadline. Most of the time, grouping similar tasks helps maintain the vibe, but alternating tasks can also help us feel refreshed between tasks.

2. Energy management

Invest in what matters. Create a dedicated workspace that is organized and free from clutter. Ensure proper lighting, ventilation, and a comfortable chair to minimize physical strain and optimize focus. When you have some extra budget, invest in ergonomic work devices to protect one of your main assets. Your body.
As a translator who works long hours, I choose a gaming-grade keyboard and chair, and interpreter-grade headsets.
Move around. Get up and move around to give yourself a break and fight off fatigue. Take some walks, stretches, or simple exercises. You can even try setting up a standing desk or a treadmill desk for a more dynamic work environment.
Also, remember to maintain a proper posture while working. That chair investment above would help a lot.
Nourish the brain. Don’t skip meals and choose foods rich in complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to sustain your energy levels. Avoid sugary snacks and processed foods that lead to crashes. Stay hydrated throughout the day with water and herbal teas. Get in tune with your body to know what it needs most to maintain the best focus for a stable, clear mind. Being in tune with your body will also tell you if you need some extra supplements to function better.
(This also works as a self-reminder, since I just got a gastric acid issue triggered by a wonky eating schedule and unmanaged stress levels.)
Sleep tight. Ideally, aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night. Develop a consistent sleep schedule and establish a relaxing bedtime routine to ensure restorative sleep. Take short power naps when you need them.

extra space beside my working table with organizers, agenda, and tumblers (always need my ❄️🧊🥤)

3. Mood regulation

Embrace Mindfulness Techniques: Practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises can help manage stress and anxiety, promoting focus and emotional well-being. There are many mindfulness apps available to guide you through these techniques.
Some personal choices that have been such great help: Tapas Accupressure Technique (you can follow Mbak Diwien or Mbak Aleima, who teach that in Jakarta) and Finch app.
Again, it’s so essential that you know yourself the best. Would you need certain music to be in the background? Or would you prefer complete silence? As freelancers, we have the privilege to control this.
Connect with Nature: Take regular breaks outdoors. Spending time in nature can significantly improve mood and reduce stress. Even a short walk in a park or sitting by a window with fresh air can make a difference.
Again, this one depends on who you are and what helps. Sitting in a work area with access to fresh air helps, but being in nature is never my thing.
Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and reward yourself for completing tasks and reaching milestones. This positive reinforcement reinforces motivation and helps maintain a positive outlook.
Practice Gratitude: Taking time to appreciate the good things in your life can foster a sense of well-being and contentment. Keep a gratitude journal or simply reflect on things you’re grateful for each day. The
Finch app helps me with this as well.
Maintain Social Connections: Humans are social creatures. Schedule virtual or in-person chats with colleagues, friends, or family to avoid social isolation.
Some options for freelance translators: LocLunch (add me on LinkedIn for further information), join an association like Himpunan Penerjemah Indonesia/The Association of Indonesian Translators, or a community like Bahtera.

Holistic Approach: Harmonious Mind and Body

Mens sana in corpore sano. A healthy mind resides in a healthy body. By implementing these suggestions across all three pillars — time, energy, and mood — we can create a holistic approach to self-management.

Here are some additional tips for a holistic approach:

Schedule “Me Time”. Make time for activities you enjoy and that bring you joy, whether it’s reading, listening to music, pursuing a hobby, or simply relaxing.
Seek Professional Help. If you’re struggling with chronic stress, low mood, or fatigue, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. (Again, another self-reminder.)
Manage your Money. Freelancers’ income may vary, so make sure you manage your income effectively. Invest well when you can.
BEWARE of scams! They’re everywhere, and the number seems to grow by the day. Never accept any job that requires us to pay anything. Never give out any personal information before signing any contract. And ALWAYS do a background check on their name and credentials.

Freelancers hold the key to managing their time, energy, and mood. By adopting a holistic approach that prioritizes both physical and mental health, we can create a sustainable and fulfilling life. Self-management is an ongoing journey. Be kind to yourself, acknowledge setbacks, and celebrate your progress.

Feel free to share your tips and tricks to manage your work and life balance, fellow free souls!