What No One Tells You (Until You’re In It)
A few years ago, I found myself staring at my laptop at 2 p.m. on a Tuesday, coffee in hand, wearing pajamas, realizing—I was living the "dream": working remotely and freelancing on the side.
Except no one tells you that the dream sometimes comes with a whole new set of problems: time zones, dry spells, clients who ghost, and a weird sense of isolation that sneaks up on you.
That said? I wouldn’t trade it. Freelancing and remote work changed my life. Whether you’re thinking of quitting your 9–5 or just exploring side income, here’s the stuff I wish I’d known before I jumped in.
So, What’s the Real Difference Between Freelancing and Remote Work?
People often use these terms interchangeably—but they’re not quite the same.
👨💻 Remote work
You work for a company, just not in an office. You might have set hours, steady income, and co-workers... but all from home (or anywhere with Wi-Fi).
🧑🎨 Freelancing
You’re your own boss. You pick clients, set your rates, chase invoices (fun), and sometimes do all the work and all the admin. It can be exciting and terrifying in equal measure.
Some folks do one. Some do both. I started with remote work and added freelancing later—and it turned out to be a solid combo.
Best Platforms to Start Freelancing (With Zero Experience)
You don’t need a fancy portfolio or ten years of experience to get started. You just need one client and a clear idea of what you can offer.
Here are a few places where real people (like you and me) have found freelance work—especially when starting out:
🌍 Upwork
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Good for beginners, but competitive
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You send proposals to clients (writing a good one matters)
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Tip: Start with lower rates, but raise them once you get reviews
🧾 Fiverr
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Set up your “gig” and let buyers come to you
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Ideal for quick services: logos, resumes, copywriting, etc.
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SEO matters here—use good keywords in your profile
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Surprisingly underrated for freelance work
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Update your headline to include “freelance” or “open to work”
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Post about your skills—your network may surprise you
✨ Other sites worth exploring:
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Toptal (for high-end freelance tech/design)
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PeoplePerHour
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Freelancer.com
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We Work Remotely (great for remote jobs, not gigs)
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Contra (cool for building a profile with portfolio tools)
How to Get Your First Freelance Client (Without Feeling Like a Fraud)
The first client is the hardest. After that, things get easier.
Here’s what helped me:
1. Pick a niche (for now)
Don’t try to be a writer/designer/editor/translator all at once. Pick something you're good at and focus there. You can always expand later.
2. Use what you already know
You don’t need formal experience. Have you written blog posts for friends? Managed social media for a club? Designed a flyer? That’s portfolio gold.
3. Offer a discounted “starter” rate—but don’t undervalue yourself
Charging $5/hour won’t help you long-term. Instead, offer a “launch rate” for your first 1–2 clients. Just enough to prove your skills.
4. Ask for testimonials
Every time you complete a job, ask for a short review. These build trust faster than a 10-page resume.
The Perks of Remote Work (AKA Why Everyone Wants It)
Let’s be real—remote work has a lot of upsides. That’s why it’s become such a hot topic.
✅ Flexibility
You can start your day with a walk, take a break mid-afternoon, and skip the commute entirely. That alone adds hours back into your life.
✅ Work from anywhere
Home, a café, a beach (if the Wi-Fi cooperates). I’ve worked from multiple cities without missing a beat.
✅ Less office drama
No awkward small talk. No unnecessary meetings (okay, fewer meetings). No fighting over the thermostat.
✅ Global job market
You’re not limited to your city or even your country. Remote jobs open you up to opportunities all over the world.
But Let’s Talk About the Downsides, Too
Because remote work isn’t all lattes and laptop stickers.
❌ It can get lonely
Seriously. No casual desk chats. No lunch buddies. You have to build social time into your day or it gets to you.
❌ Boundaries blur fast
When your bed is six steps from your desk, it’s easy to work all night. Burnout becomes a real risk.
❌ Communication takes effort
Without face-to-face cues, misunderstandings happen. You have to over-communicate to stay aligned.
❌ Some companies still don’t “get” remote
They say it’s remote, but expect you to be online 9–6 and answer Slack within 30 seconds. Watch for red flags.
Balancing Freelancing with Remote Jobs (The Hybrid Hustle)
I know people who do one or the other—but more and more, folks are combining both. A steady remote job covers the bills, while freelancing lets you build new skills (and a bigger bank account).
Just remember:
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Check your contract—some employers restrict side gigs
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Stay organized—use tools like Trello, Notion, or Google Calendar
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Don’t overbook yourself—burnout is real
Is Freelancing or Remote Work Right for You?
Not everyone thrives in the same setup. Ask yourself:
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Do I work well without supervision?
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Am I good at managing my time?
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Can I handle dry spells (in freelancing)?
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Do I have a quiet, workable space at home?
If you said yes to most of these, you’ll likely do well.
Real Talk: You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out
When I first started freelancing, I felt like an imposter. Like I wasn’t “qualified” enough or “freelance-y” enough.
Truth is, no one has it all together at the beginning. You learn by doing. You tweak your rates. You rewrite your profiles. You mess up—and then you get better.
Remote work and freelancing give you freedom, but also demand responsibility. It’s a trade-off. But for a lot of us, it’s a trade we’re happy to make.
Final Thoughts (and a Bit of Encouragement)
If you’re thinking about freelancing, or looking for your first remote job, you’re not late. You’re right on time.
The tools, platforms, and opportunities out there are more accessible than ever. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to start.
Your first gig might feel clunky. You might undercharge. You might feel awkward asking for payment. All normal.
Keep showing up. Learn as you go. And remember: your career, your rules.
