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Freelancing is a career choice that many people, especially young individuals, are eager to try. With just a laptop and a stable internet connection, you can work anywhere: at a café, from a corner desk at home, or even from your bed. No need for an office, no need to wake up early and squeeze through traffic. It sounds great, doesn’t it? But what makes this career so rewarding that you’d want to commit to it? Let’s explore the joys of being a freelancer that I’ve personally experienced.
Setting Up Your Own Day
When I first started, I thought being a freelancer meant sleeping as long as I wanted, waking up whenever I felt like it, and working whenever I chose. But life isn’t that simple! The truth is, my inbox starts filling up from midnight, and clients are always eager for the quickest response possible.
7:30 AM. The alarm doesn’t ring, but my eyes open automatically. This habit has become second nature after two years of navigating the freelance life. I shuffle to the kitchen, brew a strong cup of black coffee, and the rich aroma chases away the grogginess. My laptop opens, and the to-do list appears before me. But unlike when I worked at a company, now I can leisurely take my coffee to the balcony, sit back, and watch the streets gradually come to life while my brain slowly kicks into gear.
The beauty of freelancing is that every day can start in a different way. Some days, as soon as I open my eyes, ideas start flowing, and I dive straight into work without even brushing my teeth. Other days, I spend a whole hour doing a few yoga stretches to relieve back pain or making a proper breakfast.
Of course, freedom comes with its pitfalls. There have been many times when I intended to quickly check my emails, only to get caught up in social media, and by the time I looked up, it was already noon. A valuable lesson taught me to always keep a small notebook with me, where I write down the three most important tasks for the day. Every time I cross off a completed task, that feeling of satisfaction is just like when I was a child and received a perfect score from my teacher.
Freelancing gives me the privilege of designing my workday in my own way. But it also forces me to learn the discipline of a double standard compared to office workers. Because when there’s no one else to manage you, you must be the strictest with yourself. This morning, as I write these words, I’m sitting at my usual café, sipping on a glass of iced lemonade, and observing the hustle and bustle of people heading to work.
Anywhere Can Be an Office
One of the things I love most about being a freelancer is the ability to work anywhere. Last week, I sat at a small café near my home. The sound of the coffee grinder, the smell of freshly baked bread, and the chill music made me feel more inspired. I finished writing an ad in just two hours, faster than usual. But I’m not always that relaxed. Some days, I sit at my desk in the room, surrounded by half-drunk cups of water and piles of sticky notes. No matter where I am, I can create joy by choosing the space that matches my mood.
I remember the first time I freelanced, I tried taking my laptop to the park. Sitting under a tree, I worked while listening to the sound of the wind. The task wasn’t difficult, just editing a document, but the feeling of freedom made me smile all day. Of course, working outside has its challenges. The internet can be spotty, the sun can be harsh, and the noise can be distracting. But when you find the perfect little corner, whether it’s at a favorite café or the kitchen table at home, the feeling of it being "your place" really makes it all worthwhile.
Doing What You Love: The Joy in Every Project
I still remember the joy I felt when I received the contract to write about local cuisine last month. That entire week, I felt like a child on an adventure, exploring every little restaurant, tasting every dish, and then typing away as if I were sharing stories with friends. The client said the article had soul, and I couldn’t stop smiling all day — that simple joy of a writer getting to do what she loves.
But freelancing isn’t just about projects that match your interests. There was a time when I had to write a financial report, pages filled with numbers and dry terms. I worked tirelessly from morning to night, and the words seemed to fall away like autumn leaves. Halfway through, I wanted to give up and asked myself, "Why did I even take on this boring task?"
Yet, when the report was finished, sent on time, and the money landed in my account, that sense of satisfaction flooded in. The client sent a message: “Thank you, the report is great,” and suddenly I felt much more capable. It turns out, the joy in freelancing doesn’t just come from projects that suit your taste, but also from moments when you push through, proving to yourself that you can handle even the most tedious tasks.
Every time this happens, I’m reminded of one thing: freelancing gives you the freedom to choose the work you love, but it also teaches you to love the work you have to do. Because in the end, it’s those experiences that help you grow, and the client’s thank-you message is always a mental boost that keeps you going.
Now, I still prioritize projects that align with my interests, but I’m no longer afraid of dry, tedious tasks. Because I know that after each challenge, my skills improve just a little bit. And more importantly, I’ve learned to be patient with myself.
Financial Freedom: Taking Control of Your Own Income
Another joy that freelancing brings is the ability to decide your own income. There’s no fixed salary, no limits other than your own effort. Some months, I take on more projects and earn more than I ever dreamed of when I was working in an office. Other months, there’s less work, but I’m still satisfied knowing that I can adjust, seek out new opportunities. The feeling of being in control of my finances and determining the value of my own work is truly exciting.
But to experience this joy, I had to learn how to negotiate. The first time, I was hesitant to ask for a higher price, afraid the client would refuse. There were projects where I worked for an entire week but was only paid a few hundred thousand. Then, I learned to value my own efforts. I remember negotiating with a particularly tough client. They wanted to lower the price, but I explained in detail the work I would be doing. In the end, they agreed to the price I proposed. That feeling was like finishing a marathon — exhausting, but incredibly refreshing.
Learning Every Day: Every Project Is a Lesson
Being a freelancer is an opportunity to continuously learn. Every project brings new knowledge. Last year, I took on a digital marketing project. Before that, I only had a basic understanding of online advertising. To do a good job, I watched tutorial videos, read materials, and experimented with analytical tools. By the end, not only did I earn more money, but I also learned how to run basic ads.
In my opinion, the joy of freelancing is that you never stay stagnant. I once spent an entire day learning how to use Canva just to make a presentation look better. There was also a time when I tried using Trello to manage tasks, and now it’s an essential tool in my daily work. Every time I learn something new, I feel like I’ve made progress, even if just a little. And the best part is that I’m learning for myself, not because anyone is forcing me.
The Opportunity to Connect with Interesting People
Being a freelancer can sometimes make you feel lonely, but it also opens up opportunities to meet incredible people. Through various projects, I’ve connected with a designer in Da Nang, a business owner in Hanoi, and another freelancer in Ho Chi Minh City. We often chat, share work tips, and sometimes just vent about late nights.
I remember working with a client who had just started their business. They shared the journey of building their company from scratch, and that story really inspired me. There was also a time when I joined an online freelancer group, and one of the members taught me how to negotiate contracts. Thanks to her, I became bolder and more confident when dealing with larger clients. In fact, the joy of freelancing is not just about working; it’s also about building relationships and gaining memorable stories.
The Joy in Small Moments
However, freelancing isn’t always as glamorous as people think. There are days when I spend hours just tweaking a paragraph according to the client’s request. There are nights when I stay up until 2 AM to meet a deadline. But in the midst of the stress, there are always moments that make me smile. Like when a client messages me saying, “This idea is great, thank you!” Or when I finish a long project and treat myself to a horror movie night. These small joys are what keep me motivated to continue in this career.
I remember one Friday, I finished my work early and decided to take the afternoon off. I went to my favorite café, ordered a lychee tea, and sat down with a book. The feeling was so peaceful, as if the world was slowing down. Freelancing has taught me to cherish moments like these because they are the rewards for the days I’ve worked hard.
Ending the Day: Ready for Tomorrow
A day as a freelancer often ends later than I expect. After sending the last email, I usually check the to-do list for the next day. Some days, I find myself writing plans until 10 PM, but the feeling of having everything in order gives me satisfaction. I often take a few minutes to relax, listen to some music, or take a walk around the house. That’s how I wrap up my day, preparing for the next one.
For me, the greatest joy is knowing that you are living life on your own terms. No matter how difficult things get, you still have the power to control your work. Each day is an opportunity to challenge yourself, to learn, and to enjoy the value of life.
Lời nhắn gửi
Have you ever asked yourself, “Am I cut out for freelancing?” Well, just try it. Because the freelancer life isn’t always as rosy as people think. There will be days when you’re exhausted because of a deadline, nights when you toss and turn worrying about a project, and moments when you wonder, “Why don’t I just get a stable job?”
But then, you’ll understand how valuable the price of freedom really is. The joy of choosing the projects you love, the feeling of working in your favorite café on a quiet Tuesday morning, or the moment you receive a thank-you from a client.
In fact, it doesn’t have to be grand—just a small corner of a table, a simple project, and, most importantly, the courage to step out of your comfort zone. Because freelancing isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life. It represents a slower pace, a freedom to live, and making the most of every moment in your own unique way. If you only regret what you haven’t dared to try, then why not take the leap today?
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