Hi Reader,

Happy Friday!

In freelancing, we often confuse busy with successful.

We’ve been taught to measure progress by how full our calendar is or how many unread emails we have. But the truth is, some of your most important growth happens in the quieter seasons—the ones that feel slow, uncertain, or even a bit uncomfortable.

That lull you’re in? It might be the space you need to shift gears, refocus, and realign with the kind of work you actually want to do.

You’re not falling behind.

P.S. This week on Instagram, I shared my March revenue and expenses. See the breakdown here. And don't forget to give me a follow for regular tips and tricks!

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Here's what I've been up to this week work-wise:

👉 I wrote 3 pieces for clients (Shopify, Experlogix, and a new client)

👉 I refreshed 2 pieces for Shopify

👉 I held an SME call for an upcoming piece

👉 I guested on a freelancing Q&A chat

⏱ Approx hours spent on client work this week: ~22

⏱ Approx hours spent on non-client work: ~2

💰 Total revenue this week: £3,950

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Check out my three practical courses that have helped 500+ people get more clients, earn more money, and create better content.

Friday Freelance Tip​​ ✨ ​

Last year felt like one long, never-ending sprint.

I said yes to everything. Took on too many projects. Juggled overlapping deadlines, endless Google Docs, and the kind of Slack chaos that makes your brain feel like soup.

It was exciting, sure, but also exhausting. I hit my biggest income months ever. I hit all the goals. And then I hit burnout.

So this year, I’ve decided to slow down.

Not because I’m not motivated (although my motivation seems to have gone a bit AWOL over the past few months), but because I want to be more intentional. I want to choose the brands I work with, not just say yes out of fear that the work might disappear if I don’t.

And let me tell you… that’s been way harder than I expected.

There’s a strange kind of panic that sets in when your calendar isn’t wall-to-wall with client projects. Even if you chose that. Even if you know deep down it’s the right thing. The freelancing brain kicks in and whispers, “Are you sure this isn’t a terrible mistake?”

But here’s what I’m reminding myself (and maybe you need this reminder too):

Freelancing is cyclical. Always has been.

There will be wild, busy seasons where you’re working until 10pm and dreaming in feedback comments. And there will be slower months where your inbox is suspiciously quiet, and you wonder if everyone’s secretly found someone better.

Neither of those seasons lasts forever.

The key is learning how to make the most of both.

So if you’re in a slow season, here’s what I recommend:

• Reconnect with your past clients. Not with a “hire me!” pitch, but with a friendly DM or comment on their posts. Get visible in a way that feels good. Whenever my calendar is feeling sparse, I always get in touch with past clients to stay on their radar.
• Update your portfolio or case studies. You know the ones that have been half-finished since 2022? Now’s the time.
• Revisit your marketing flywheel. Are you showing up consistently? Are you sharing your work in the places where your clients are actually hanging out?
• Start the personal project you’ve been putting off. You don’t have to monetise it (says the woman who's constantly monetising her hobbies). Just start.

And if you’re in a busy season, try this:

• Protect your calendar like your life depends on it. Don’t squeeze things in just because you can. Leave space for admin, thinking time, and actually delivering the work.
• Say no more often. Even to good projects. Especially to scope creep. Your future self will thank you (trust me).
• Batch your marketing tasks. When you’ve got momentum, ride it, but don’t ghost your audience just because you’re booked out. This is where it helps to create promo content in advance. The Promo Playbook helps you do exactly this. Get 50% off here.

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Look, both seasons are valuable and both come with challenges. Both are part of the freelancing rhythm.

This year, I’m not chasing “more" (unless that "more" is "more time", "more space", and "more margaritas"). I’m chasing meaningful. I want to go deep on the work I do. I want to work with brands that get it, and I want to feel proud of what I create, not just relieved it’s done.

So if you’re also craving a slower, more intentional freelance life this year, consider this your permission slip.

This week, we have a B2B writer from Mexico sharing their finances with us.

Where are you based? Mexico

How long have you been freelancing? 6 years.

What do you do? B2B technical documentation.

What was your 2024 revenue? $55,000 USD.

This person freelances part-time and this was their highest earning year.

How much did you take as a salary?

All $55,000.

How much did you pay in taxes? $8,200.

What were your business expenses? $150.

Do you contribute to a pension or investments?

I have a private retirement account where I can contribute a maximum of $7,500 per year. HYSA, I use Acorns to invest in some stocks, and I have mutual funds.

Do you have any hot money-management tips?

Live well below your means. That way, if you have a slow month, you're not stressed about paying for rent, food, etc. If you have a good month, you can save or invest the extra money.

As always, happy freelancing :)

Lizzie ✨

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