Freelancing is the Kobayashi Maru of writing. For those not fluent in Star Trek references, it’s an unwinnable scenario; a test designed to put you in an impossible situation and see how you handle it. That’s freelancing in a nutshell: you’re only seen as impressive if you’re fully booked, but only valuable if you’re available. The rules don’t make sense, but we play the game anyway. Because despite the frustration, freelancing is the thing we love.
Why Being Busy Looks Impressive
There’s this unspoken rule in freelancing that if you’re constantly busy, you’ve made it. Packed calendars, tight deadlines, too much coffee. . . apparently that’s the dream?
It makes sense, right? If people are lining up for your work, it’s a good sign you’re doing something right. Clients love the idea of working with someone who’s “in demand.” It’s a signal that you’re talented, professional, and worth the investment.
But the flip side is that being busy can feel like a performance. Social media posts about your latest projects, vague mentions of your workload, even just saying, “I’m swamped!”; sometimes it’s more about maintaining appearances than reality, because if you admit to having downtime, people might assume you’re not as successful as you say you are. [insert eyeroll here]
Spoiler: downtime doesn’t mean failure. It means you’re human.
Availability Equals Value
Clients also want freelancers who can start right now. Nobody likes hearing, “I’m fully booked for the next three months,” even though that’s exactly what we’re supposed to say to look successful.
If you’re too busy, clients might assume their project won’t get the attention it deserves. But if you’re too available, they’ll wonder why you’re not booked up already. It’s a catch-22. You’ve gotta be busy enough to be impressive, but not so busy that you can’t fit them in.
It’s exhausting, isn’t it? Trying to look like you’re in demand while also being approachable and ready to work. And if you think about it too hard, it’ll have you second-guessing every email you send and every post you write.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
Freelancing already comes with its fair share of uncertainty, and this paradox only adds to the mental load. When you’re busy, you feel validated, but also overwhelmed. And when you’re not busy, it’s easy to spiral into questions like, Am I doing enough? Am I falling behind? What if nobody hires me again?
It’s a tug-of-war between wanting to stay booked and needing a breather, between proving yourself and just getting through the day. And honestly? I’m tired just talking about it.
How I Handle the Paradox
I won’t pretend I’ve cracked the code here, but I’ve learned a few things that help me deal with the chaos:
Be Honest About My Schedule
If I’m busy, I say so, but in a way that feels approachable. “I’m booked for this month, but I’d love to schedule your project for next!” If I’m available, I frame it as an opportunity: “I’ve got room in my schedule to give your project my full attention.”
I Don’t Glorify Busyness
Being busy doesn’t automatically mean you’re successful, and being available doesn’t mean you’re not. I remind myself (often) that my value isn’t tied to how packed my calendar looks. I don’t live the hustle life, I don’t subscribe to wake up and grind culture. I’m not willing to trade my sanity for a few bucks.
I Use My Downtime Wisely
I’ve come to see slow periods as a gift. They’re a chance to update my portfolio, refine my processes, or even just take a breath. Downtime isn’t failure! It’s breathing room.
I Focus on Relationships
Whether I’m busy or not, I prioritize building strong relationships with my clients. Because in the end, that’s what keeps people coming back, availability or not. And the best part is that I really, really like the clients I work with, so it’s a pleasure to stay in touch with them.
The Reality of Freelancing
This paradox is never going to go away. There will always be moments when you’re too busy to breathe and others when you’re wide open and wondering if your inbox will ever be full again. But freelancing isn’t about meeting everyone else’s expectations; it’s about figuring out what works for you. For me, that’s focusing on the quality of my work, staying true to my boundaries, and remembering why I started freelancing in the first place: for the love of writing.
So yeah, freelancing might be a paradox, but honestly? It’s still the best job I’ve ever had.