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Taste Test
Freelancing has a ton of upsides, but the biggest challenge for me has always been the uncertainty — never really knowing if or how long a client will stick around.
Do you deal with the same thing? And if so, what do you do to make that part of the job feel a little more stable?
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Being a freelancer is naturally unstable, especially when most projects are one-off. To increase predictability, it helps to offer complementary services, sell higher-value projects, and allow clients to pay in installments (snowball effect). It’s also crucial to avoid relying...
You’re making solid points — especially the part about not relying on one single client.
At the same time, I feel like even with all the systems, there’s always that little layer of uncertainty you can’t fully remove.
I’m learning to accept that part without letting it run the show… but it’s definitely a work in progress 😅.
It’s honestly really frustrating. I’ve been working independently for four years, and I always get that wave of panic when we’re already halfway through the month and I still haven’t closed any new project. I mean, each month I never know if I’ll be eating instant noodles or...
I feel you — those “mid-month panic waves” hit me too.
What’s helped me a bit is tracking patterns over time… you start noticing that the slow phases aren’t actually random, they repeat. Doesn’t fix everything, but it removes some of that existential dread.
i feel that way almost all the time
Honestly, same — even when things go well, that feeling never disappears completely.
I guess we’re all figuring out how to live with it without letting it drain the joy from the work.
Once you get a cut from freelancing, invest in something more secure to ease the uncertainty. (Not a financial advise)
Yeah, having something a bit more “stable” on the side definitely helps.
I’m still trying to understand what that looks like for me — but even mentally, knowing there’s a plan B makes those slow months feel less heavy.
Same here. I deal with it by having systems and expecting those slower months instead of being surprised by them. I save a chunk from every project and keep it as a buffer so work can ebb and flow without stressing me out (too much haha)
Totally get that — having a buffer really does change the game.
I’m trying to build the same mindset myself… even if sometimes I still get blindsided by those slow stretches 😅.
But yeah, treating it as “part of the rhythm” makes the whole thing feel way less scary!
Fantastico
This is a natural part of it. It's tough to do and unpredictable but trying to diversify your clients so not all of your eggs are in one basket is important.
True — spreading risk helps.
The hard part is doing it before you need it, not after things get shaky.
I completely agree, this situation is really frustrating.
Oh absolutely — it drains a lot of mental energy.
I’m trying to get better at not taking every slow phase personally.
I deal with not having any clint whatsoever😕
I want to get my first Client, any tips?
Getting the first one is the hardest.
What helped me was showing one strong project and pitching like a human, not like a template. People feel the difference.
thanks you for the advice.
Definitely Yes
Coming to peace with the start the reality of the game your are getting yourself in by being a freelancer, helps a lot . This is a high risk - high reward game. For the rest @Sabrina Polanco sums it well in her reply.
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Yeah, that’s basically the game.
The trick is accepting the chaos without letting it run your whole nervous system.
Honestly, yeah — that uncertainty hits hard. What’s helped me is treating every project like a chance to build a relationship, not just deliver a service. Clear communication, quick wins, and staying proactive usually turn “one-off” clients into long-term ones.
Still not perfect, but it definitely makes things feel more stable.
This is so true — relationships > deliverables.
And funny enough, half of “stability” comes from just staying present and communicative.
and one more thing to just understand your user.
I always have anxiety around client consistency/retention which is why I keep my fun second job as a flight attendant so I can at least spiral while on vacation. 🤪
Honestly? That’s a pretty iconic backup plan. At least the stress comes with a window seat 🙌
Right? ✈️✈️✈️
There's a point in freelancing you reach after a couple of client cycles where you don't worry about "stability". This comes when you have built enough credibility and connection, you won't certainly go months without work. Even if you do, you'd cherish it more than despise it ;)
I like this.
At some point you stop panicking and start trusting the rhythm — I’m not fully there yet, but I’m starting to see what you mean.
Yes and the only part I can control is to offer optimum irresistible quality service.
Totally — quality is the one lever we do control.
Even if it doesn’t guarantee stability, it definitely stacks the odds in your favor.
Is it even possible to have certainty as a freelancer? If yes, sign me up. 👀
Honestly, if someone finds the formula, I’m in too 😅
Feels like the best we can do is make the uncertainty lighter, not eliminate it.
I guess the love of being independent and goal-driven is what makes you keep going and lets you find ways to counter the challenges associated with freelancing.
That resonates a lot.
I think independence is what keeps you pushing even when the numbers don’t fully make sense yet.
💯 💯 💯
I relate to this a lot. What’s helped me is treating freelancing more like a business—building systems, diversifying clients, and staying visible even when I’m fully booked.
The uncertainty doesn’t disappear, but having a plan makes it much easier to manage. Curious to hear how others deal with this too.
That’s a great way to put it. The uncertainty never really disappears, but systems definitely stop it from feeling overwhelming.
The system of having a financial backup works as long as the slow months don't turn into a slow year or more, when nothing moves.
Currently I feel the slow months and it's scary. But I decided that this year I'll focus less on the fear and more on creating things I like, use the...
That’s the scary part, yeah.
I really like your mindset though — using the quiet time to learn and create things you actually care about feels like the healthiest response.
This is such an interesting (and real) tradeoff.
It feels like the awkward middle phase where volume drops before higher-value clients fully replace it. Tough, but it sounds like you’re moving in the right direction.
Most of my clients are sticking for 1-3 months for one-time projects, and come back months later with another. Over the last 2 years or so, I've had 3-4- long term clients (sticking for 6-12+ months), but as long as new leads are coming in, it's all fine and I don't worry much...
That’s a great way to look at it. As long as leads keep flowing, the lack of permanence feels way less threatening.
I'm suprised anyone even voted 'No'. Lol
Same honestly 😂
Maybe they just haven’t been freelancing long enough yet.
I feel the uncertainty too @Carlo Cardamone .
What helps me is focusing on the daily work instead worrying about the future
Plus knowing that I'm building an inbound funnel through Instagram, and seeing other designers succeed gives me hope, but the concern is always there.
Hope we all succeed 😊
That’s a solid approach - focusing on what’s in front of you and seeing others succeed really does help quiet the noise a bit.
Hi Carlo, six years in and just sharing few things we've done that helps!
1. Have a retirement investment plan - Self-inform. Take early action. Be frugal and knowledgeable. Make slow decisions. Don't blindly take friend's advice. Start small. Never freak out. Find good...
This is gold, thanks for sharing.
Especially the part about stepping outside the home office — that mental reset is way more important than it sounds.
Depends on the relationship with the clients. My services contains of Tag Management (GTM), GA4 tracking, Google Ads and dashboarding. Mostly this are retainer projects. As long as I keep seeing results, the clients are happy!
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