remote freelancing: what it is and what it isn't

The question I get asked the most is, "So, what do you do?" As much as I want it to be "remote freelancing!" it really isn't. Bet you can guess why. It's the reason you're reading this blog right now.

No one knows what the hell that is.

I don't judge.

But that's why I'm here. 

What is remote freelancing?

A thorough search through Google won't help you one bit. The search engine swarms you with job boards and postings, not information about the profession.

There is no formal definition for remote freelancing. At least, not one concise definition agreed upon by the masses (yet).

That's because, in my opinion, it means something different to everyone. The most important aspect of the meaning behind the term is the lifestyle of the freelancer.

For instance, a freelancer is contractually an independent contractor that is hired out by individuals or businesses to complete work. A remote freelancer is exactly that but also desires or has a lifestyle that allows them to work virtually, from anywhere in the world.

It's a key difference.

So, let's get into what remote freelancing is and isn't.

Remote freelancing isn't...

Let's discuss the misconceptions first, shall we?

Always traveling and living in a new country every week.

I blame Instagram for this gem of a myth.

While this is true for MANY remote freelancers, this is not the reality for ALL of us.

And that's A-OK with me.

Sometimes, it's working from whatever cafe within a 20-mile radius serving iced drip coffee that has Wi-Fi.

More times than not, it's working from your kitchen table or balcony within the comforts of your own home.

Occasionally, it's being able to travel to a fun location for a trip or a wedding or event and working from an Airbnb, a friend's house, or more random cafes serving iced drip coffee and Wi-Fi.

It's spontaneous, it's refreshing. It's freedom.

But it's not always jet-setting to a new location every week. That's an important distinction many freelancers in this space aren't making and one I want to be sure to call out.

Another distinction?

Never having to work and always being able to go to every party/event you're invited to.

It's funny. This is the thing most people get wrong about remote freelancing.

Yes, I have work to do (likely more than you), but I'm a master prioritizer so I get it done quickly.

Yes, I know I'm able to design my own schedule, but I'm not perfect and I sometimes have loose ends to tie up.

Yes, I know I have no contractual obligation requiring me to do client work instead of going to your event, but I'm running by own business here. I do what I can.

It can be tough to set boundaries. Just remember why you started this. The way you prioritize your time is the key to your success as a remote freelancer.

It's all up to you. That's both freeing and constricting at the same time, right? But that's the best part.

Now, with the misconceptions out of the way, it's time to chat about what remote freelancing is really all about.

Remote freelancing is...

Let me reiterate something quickly: this is my own personal definition of remote freelancing. The job means something different to everyone, but it's important to me that I share my own experience with you.

Here it is.

Designing your own schedule.

As a freelancer, no one is telling you when to do something.

That can be both unsettling and exciting at the same time. It's okay. A lot of freelancing is that way. Might as well get used to it ;)

If you're a planner, a type-A personality, going freelance will be much easier for you. If you're not, then you'll likely have to work harder to stay organized. But, I don't think it's impossible.

You literally have the ability to design the schedule of your dreams as a remote freelancer. Partly because you've knicked your commute time to however long it takes you to get out of bed and sit your ass in your office chair. Partly because you're choosing the clients and the projects you're taking on.

If you don't want to work on Mondays... you don't have to.

If you want to stop working at 3 PM every day... you can.

And, if you want to only answer emails twice a day and never take calls on a Friday... you can.

In our world of constriction and control and no, no, no, this freedom can be almost unnerving. It's okay to feel stressed about it. But after you realize what this means for work-life balance, the stress seems to melt away.

Having the ability to prioritize your mental health.

This is a biggie.

I'll talk about this a LOT more as time goes on, it's a large aspect of the reason I went freelance.

I just mentioned work-life balance. I wish I could come up with a better phrase for what I truly mean here. Work-life integration seems to be better, but still no cigar.

At a 9-5, I would have to wake up extremely early if I wanted to do my full morning routine. I've done it before, but it was a condensed, rushed version.

My typical morning as a remote freelancer now usually consists of an hour-long slow start to the day. I wake up slowly around 8 AM (it changes, but that's been my sweet spot for a bit) and immediately do my skincare routine. Then I usually step outside to let my pup out and grab some coffee.

Then, I sit on the balcony and sip my coffee while watching some YouTube videos. Either Emma Chamberlain, Eamon & Bec (#VANLIFE), or anything Billie Eilish right now. Then, I make my avocado toast with fresh salsa and sit down at my desk to get the day started!

I can't seem to rush into work anymore. That gets my cortisol pumping and my anxiety soaring!

I also can't seem to work for too long or my lovely boyfriend will come to the rescue and remind me that I have a life offline.

The other cool part? If I'm feeling particularly overwhelmed at any point in my day, I'm able to step away. For however long I feel.

Some days, that's 5 minutes. Others, I've taken the entire rest of the day off because my mind simply wasn't there. Work wasn't happening.

AND THAT'S OKAY!

Anyway, this is all to say that if you are wanting to make a change and be able to really prioritize your mental health, whatever that means for you, remote freelancing may be a perfect way to do it.

Speaking of "whatever that means for you," that's exactly where I want to end this blog today. Talking about how remote freelancing is literally... whatever you make of it.

Literally whatever you make of it.

That's the beauty, my friends!

Remote freelancing is what you make of it.

I'm not here to tell you HOW to be a remote freelance, I'm here to show you the possibilities and the realities of remote freelancing.

It's not all butterflies and rainbows, but it can be! And for me, it has been for the most part.

Taking the leap was tough. The first 9 months were tough.

But then I hit my stride. I locked in on the mindset I needed to be successful and it's been smooth sailing ever since.

Fairly often, I'm asking myself how this is my real life. Like, I created this life I have. The freedom I have. The opportunities I've opened for myself.

That's a sick feeling, y'know?

I want so many people to know and experience that feeling. It's something I feel almost every single day.

That's what remote freelancing is to me.