Freelance Files [Submission]

Freelance Files is a series of anonymous submissions from freelancers around the world. With enough submissions, we can start to pull back the curtain on the freelance industry and answer questions like “am I undercharging?” and “are my earnings inline with my peers?”

But we can’t do it without you.

If you’re willing to share your story, fill out this anonymous form to be featured in an upcoming Freelance Files spotlight. All industries, skill levels, and experiences are welcome.

The more context you give, the more we can reveal what’s really happening behind the scenes of freelance work.

Your story will help other freelancers find clarity and confidence.

Start here. Share what’s real. Shape what’s next.

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What is your primary freelancing field (e.g., Writer, Designer, etc.)

How long have you been freelancing in this field?Less than 1 year1–3 years4–6 years7+ years

Where do you live? (Country/Region)

Do you freelance full-time or part-time?Full-timePart-time

Do you feel the freelance world has become easier or harder than it was 1 year ago? 5 years ago? Please explain.

Please ignore this question if you just started freelancing within the past year.

What types of clients do you typically work with? (e.g., startups, corporations, small businesses, agencies)

How do you find most of your clients? (e.g., referrals, platforms like Upwork, cold pitching, social media)

Do you typically work with retainer clients, project-based clients, or one-off gigs?

Do you feel you are paid fairly for your work? Why or why not?

How many hours do you typically work per week?

What is your average project rate?

If you can remember, what were your rates when you first started out. How have they changed since then?

What percentage of your time is spent on unpaid tasks? (e.g., admin, client outreach, revisions)

How many clients do you work with at any given time?

How much did you earn last year?

How do your clients pay you? (Check all that apply.)

• Bank transfer
• PayPal
• Stripe
• Freelance platform (e.g., Upwork, Fiverr)
• Wise / international payment service
• Other

Do you expect to earn the same, less, or more this upcoming year.The sameLessMore

*Based off the income you've already received for the year

Do you account for taxes, vacation, or sick time in your pricing? If yes, how? If no, why?

What’s your biggest source of instability as a freelancer?

• Inconsistent client work
• Clients ghosting or not paying
• Scope creep or unclear expectations
• Lack of boundaries / overworking
• Not knowing how to price
• Competition or market saturation
• Lack of benefits (e.g., health insurance, vacation)

What are your typical monthly expenses related to freelancing? (e.g., software subscriptions, taxes, coworking space)

If possible, please list each item plus how much you spend on it each month. For example:
1. Coworking space - $50
2. Software - $100

What tools can't you live without as a freelancer?

How do you determine your rates? (e.g., market research, experience level, gut feeling)

What is your biggest challenge as a freelancer?

How often do you raise your rates with clients and how does that conversation usually go?

your determine or

What’s one thing you wish you had known before starting freelancing?

Do you take breaks or vacation regularly? If yes, how do you manage this financially?

How often do you feel burnout as a freelancer?

• Rarely or never
• Occasionally (a few times a year)
• Frequently (every month or so)
• Constantly—burnout feels like the default
• I’m currently burnt out

What’s one pricing strategy or tip you’ve found particularly useful?

What is the biggest lesson you've learned freelancing? Based on this lesson, what advice would you share with other freelancers?

Do you plan to continue freelancing long-term?

• Yes, I’m committed for the long haul
• I enjoy it but may shift to part-time or something else
• I’m not sure / figuring it out
• No, I’m looking for something more stable

What makes freelancing worth it—even when it’s hard?

What would make freelancing feel more sustainable for you? (Check all that apply.)

• More consistent income
• Better client relationships
• Access to affordable healthcare or benefits
• A community or support network
• Fewer unpaid hours/admin
• More guidance on pricing and negotiation
• A break
• Other

If you selected other, please expand:

Optional: Want to vent?

Share a client horror story (no names, please!). This space is for honest moments — the kind that make us laugh, cry, or feel less alone.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Did we miss any questions? Something else you'd like to share? Add it here!

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