Freelancer Fears: 5 Wobbles We All Know (and how to steady them)

Freelancing: the land of freedom, flexibility… and the occasional existential wobble. Whether you’re a seasoned soloist or just dipping your toes into the gig economy, chances are you’ve encountered a few of these classic freelancer fears. Let’s unpack them with a bit of humour, a lot of empathy, and some genuinely useful advice.

1. Fear of not getting enough work (aka “feast or famine” syndrome)

Feeling: Anxiety, self-doubt, compulsive refreshing of job boards.

It’s the classic freelancer panic: “What if the work dries up and I have to live on instant noodles forever?” The truth is, most freelancers experience quiet spells. The trick is to plan for them. Build a financial buffer when times are good, keep your portfolio fresh, and network regularly—even when you’re busy. Think of marketing yourself like brushing your teeth: a little every day keeps the panic away.

2. Fear of getting too much work (aka “The avalanche”)

Feeling: Overwhelm, imposter syndrome, mild crying in the shower.

Ironically, the opposite problem can be just as stressful. Suddenly, everyone wants you—and you’re drowning in deadlines. First, breathe. Then, prioritise ruthlessly. Use tools like Trello or Notion to manage tasks, and don’t be afraid to say “no” or negotiate timelines. You’re not a machine, and clients will respect your boundaries if you set them clearly. And, if you’re in demand use it to your advantage, book in non-urgent work for future dates, revise your pricing strategy or consider partnering with another freelancer for a short period or outsource some of your admin.

3. Fear of getting sick (and losing income)

Feeling: Vulnerability, guilt, Googling “how to work with a fever”.

Freelancers don’t get sick pay, which makes illness feel like a luxury you can’t afford. But your health is non-negotiable. Consider income protection insurance or setting aside a “sick day fund.” Also, build relationships with fellow freelancers—having someone to refer work to (and vice versa) can be a lifesaver when you’re under the weather.

4. Fear of not getting paid on time (or at all)

Feeling: Frustration, financial stress, fantasising about becoming a debt collector.

Chasing invoices is no one’s idea of fun. Protect yourself with clear contracts, upfront deposits, and invoicing software that sends automatic reminders. If a client is consistently late, don’t be afraid to enforce late fees or reconsider the relationship. Consider up front part-payments at the start of projects to minimise your risk. Never be afraid to chase for payments. You deserve to be paid fairly and promptly—end of story.

5. Fear of isolation (aka “talking to the kettle for company”)

Feeling: Loneliness, cabin fever, excessive use of emojis.

Working solo can be surprisingly lonely. Combat this by joining online communities, attending local co-working days, or scheduling regular coffee chats with fellow freelancers. Even a quick Slack message exchange can remind you that you’re part of a wider tribe of brilliant, slightly frazzled humans.

Final thought:
Freelancing isn’t always easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding. The key is to acknowledge the fears, plan around them, and remember—you’re not alone. Every freelancer has had a wobble (or five). So, keep going, keep growing, and maybe treat yourself to something better than instant noodles tonight?