at Cookie Bar while your deadline timer ticks louder than the day drinkers Expectation: Networking at cool events Reality: Networking with your cat (he's actually a chihuahua but I call him a cat) while refreshing LinkedIn Expectation: Steady stream of dream projects Reality: Feast-or-famine cycles that make you question every life choice Expectation: Time for passion projects Reality: Writing 3,000 words about grout sealant Expectation: Inbox full of thank-you notes Reality: Inbox full of “quick edits needed, EOD” Expectation: Peaceful solo workdays Reality: Three clients, two Slack channels, and one existential crisis before lunchat Cookie Bar while your deadline timer ticks louder than the day drinkers Expectation: Networking at cool events Reality: Networking with your cat (he's actually a chihuahua but I call him a cat) while refreshing LinkedIn Expectation: Steady stream of dream projects Reality: Feast-or-famine cycles that make you question every life choice Expectation: Time for passion projects Reality: Writing 3,000 words about grout sealant Expectation: Inbox full of thank-you notes Reality: Inbox full of “quick edits needed, EOD” Expectation: Peaceful solo workdays Reality: Three clients, two Slack channels, and one existential crisis before lunch
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Karen Bodkin
pro
• Aug 20, 2025
Expectation vs. Reality (Writer’s Freelance Life)
Expectation: Laptop lifestyle in a café Reality: Talking with day drinkers at Cookie Bar while your deadline timer ticks louder than the day drinkers Expectation: Networking at cool events Reality: Networking with your cat (he's actually a chihuahua but I call him a cat) while refreshing LinkedIn
Expectation: Steady stream of dream projects Reality: Feast-or-famine cycles that make you question every life choice
Expectation: Time for passion projects Reality: Writing 3,000 words about grout sealant
Expectation: Inbox full of thank-you notes Reality: Inbox full of “quick edits needed, EOD”
Expectation: Peaceful solo workdays Reality: Three clients, two Slack channels, and one existential crisis before lunch
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