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Eden's avatar
Eden I Community Member

Common Myths we hear

Freelancing Means Total Freedom Over Your Time
Sure, we don’t have to work a 9-5, but how many of us have found ourselves pulling late nights to meet a deadline? Clients often need things done ASAP, and balancing multiple projects can leave you with little time to spare.

Finding Clients Is Easy
Many people assume that as long as you have a skill and a profile, clients will find you. In reality, landing clients often requires a mix of networking, pitching, and ongoing profile updates. It’s a continuous effort to build and maintain a strong client base.

You Can Charge Whatever You Want
While it’s true that freelancers set their own rates, the market often dictates what clients are willing to pay. It can be challenging to find the sweet spot between what you deserve and what clients are prepared to spend, especially when competing against freelancers from around the globe.

It’s All About Skill
Having a strong skillset is important, but freelancing is much more than just delivering great work. It involves client communication, marketing, project management, and sometimes even sales. Many freelancers are surprised at how much time they spend on non-billable tasks.

Let’s Discuss:
What freelancing myths did you believe when you first started?
What advice do you wish someone had given you about the reality of freelancing?
Have any myths surprised you, or were there any hard truths you had to learn along the way?
Let’s share our experiences and set the record straight for those new to freelancing. Whether you’ve been freelancing for years or are just starting out, your insights could make a huge difference. Plus, it’s always good to reflect on how far we’ve come and what we’ve learned along the way!

Jump in and let’s keep the conversation going—this could turn into a valuable resource for all freelancers in our community!

2 REPLIES 2
Dmytro's avatar
Dmytro D Community Member

Hi, Eden. It's an interesting topic. So I remember when I came to the freelance and saw the offers and skills I needed, the first impression Ha! it's easy. Spent all my free "connects" - it's a shame. Started learning about how to work - it's an opportunity.

Anthony's avatar
Anthony H Community Member

It’s All About Skill
Having a strong skillset is important, but freelancing is much more than just delivering great work. It involves client communication, marketing, project management, and sometimes even sales. Many freelancers are surprised at how much time they spend on non-billable tasks.

 

 

Perfect. Absolutely true. I came to Upwork because my client communication skills are poor. In the meantime, I have seen many writers who can't pour water out of a boot who do very well because they know how to exploit their client communication skills. I was an editor once and one of my poorest writers went freelance and did remarkably well. Her writing was moronic, but that's not the bottom line. The bottom line is follow through, remembering names, networking, forming strong relationships with other assignment editors. I can write, but I am no great shakes at the other side of the freelancing equation.