From India to Italy, Arushi brings creativity, marketing strategy and her passion for sustainability to Milan, helping clients grow their brands and make a lasting impact.
Driven by the power of entrepreneurship and how freelancing changed her life for the better, she’s sharing her knowledge with us - so that one day (soon?) the dream you have about being an empowered freelancer can become a reality.
Let’s start here with 5 myths we need to bust, and 5 actionable tips on entering the era of working on your own terms.
Written by: Arushi Gupta (social media strategist & branding expert)
Freelancing is often seen through two contrasting lenses: some view it as the ultimate path to freedom, while others dismiss it as unstable or unprofessional.
Despite the global rise of the gig economy, stigmas surrounding freelancing persist, particularly in countries with more traditional work cultures, such as the USA and India. From my own experience working with international clients, I’ve seen how these perceptions vary.
In Italy and much of Europe, freelancing is widely accepted and seen as a legitimate, respected career. However, in other regions, it’s still often regarded as temporary or as a "side hustle."
Personally, I’ve felt these stigmas firsthand, but freelancing has given me the chance to defy them and create a career that truly reflects my values and passions.
In this article, let’s explore the liberating aspects of freelancing, common stigmas attached to it, and some actionable tips to help freelancers start their practice and pitch themselves successfully.
Why freelancing is liberating
Freelancing offers unmatched autonomy. It represents a powerful shift away from the traditional constraints of the workplace, offering people the chance to reclaim control over their professional and personal lives. For me, it is not just about working for yourself; it’s about breaking free from rigid schedules, limited opportunities, and workplace hierarchies.
Apart from these, you get to choose:
Who you work with – Say goodbye to toxic workplace dynamics.
When you work – Create a schedule that suits your lifestyle and productivity peaks.
Where you work – Work from a cozy café in Milan or a beach in Bali.
What projects you take on – Align your work with your values, skills, and interests.
Freelancing has allowed me to craft a career that aligns with my passions, goals and most importantly; my values where I get the freedom to work on my own terms.
This liberation also gives me the flexibility to choose my own projects, determine my income, and create a balance between work and personal life that fosters my physical and mental well-being.
After five years of enduring toxic workplaces, grueling 6.5-day workweeks, and 10+ hour days while being paid far below fair compensation, I reached a state of complete burnout.
Freelancing became more than a career choice - it was a lifeline. It offered me the chance to reclaim control over my time, my values, and my mental health.
Through freelancing, I’ve been privileged to work with small, sustainable, women-owned businesses - what I affectionately call "Sustainability with Sisterhood." Collaborating with these inspiring women entrepreneurs has allowed me to channel my creativity as a Social Media and Marketing professional into promoting and sharing their ventures to global audiences, aligning my work with my passions and principles.
This journey hasn’t just been about work; it’s been about rediscovering joy, balance, and purpose. Freelancing has empowered me to leave behind the toxic hustle culture and redefine success on my terms. It’s a transformative experience, proving that with the right mindset and strategy, freelancing can be both liberating and impactful.
5 Common stigmas attached to freelancing
Despite its increasing popularity, freelancing remains plagued by misconceptions and stereotypes.
These stigmas often stem from traditional work norms that undervalue the flexibility and independence freelancing offers.
Let’s address some of the most common stigmas, debunk them, and shed light on why freelancing is a legitimate and thriving career path.
Freelancing isn’t a “real job”
Many people still perceive freelancing as a side hustle or temporary gig rather than a stable career. This misconception is deeply ingrained, as freelancing doesn’t follow the traditional 9-to-5 structure.
However, the growing global recognition of freelancing as a viable career path is evident - several countries now offer freelancer visas, proving that it’s not only a "real job" but also a respected profession.
Freelancers provide essential services, often filling gaps traditional roles can’t, making their contributions invaluable.
Freelancers aren’t reliable
The stereotype that freelancers lack accountability or consistency is another common myth.
While some clients may worry about reliability, freelancers often exceed expectations, delivering high-quality work efficiently. In my experience working in Italy, this stigma is less pronounced.
Freelancers know their reputation is built on client satisfaction, so their reliability often surpasses that of traditional employees, who may not have the same individual accountability.
It’s not financially secure
There’s a pervasive belief that freelancing equates to financial instability. While it’s true that freelancers need to manage fluctuating income, many achieve significantly higher earnings compared to traditional salaried roles.
Personally, freelancing has increased my income by 75%, and it offers the flexibility to diversify income streams, working with multiple clients rather than relying on a single employer.
Freelancers work “less”
Another misconception is that freelancing is an easy or relaxed job. On the contrary, freelancers often work harder to ensure client satisfaction since their work serves as their primary testimonial.
With no guaranteed paycheck or promotions, success in freelancing hinges on consistent effort, quality, and client relationships, often requiring longer hours and greater focus than traditional jobs.
It’s a last resort
Freelancing is often viewed as a fallback option for those unable to secure traditional employment. However, this outdated belief no longer holds true.
More people are consciously choosing freelancing to achieve better work-life balance, creative freedom, and personal fulfillment.
Freelancing is not just a legitimate career - it’s a transformative one. It offers freedom, creativity, and opportunities for growth, while shattering outdated notions about what it means to work.
How to start your freelancing journey + my two-cents worth
Starting a freelancing journey in today’s competitive economy requires a combination of strategic planning, building a strong online presence, and maintaining professionalism.
Here's my advice on how to get started and thrive in the freelance world:
1. Build a strong online presence
Your website, LinkedIn profile, and social media accounts should highlight your skills, showcase your portfolio, and feature testimonials from past clients.
A well-maintained online presence helps establish credibility and shows potential clients that you are a professional in your field.
This digital footprint will be the first impression many clients have of you, so make sure it reflects the quality of your work.
2. Be transparent & communicative
Freelancers often face the stigma of being unreliable.
To overcome this, it’s essential to communicate regularly with clients.
Provide updates, meet deadlines, and be available for constructive feedback.
Clear and reliable communication can help build trust, which is key to forming lasting client relationships.
3. Diversify your portfolio
A varied portfolio helps you stand out in a crowded market.
Showcase a range of work that demonstrates your versatility. Include successful projects with well-known brands or clients to boost your credibility.
A strong portfolio not only proves your skills, but also shows you can adapt to different industries and project types.
4. Educate your network
One of the biggest misconceptions about freelancing is that it’s low-paying.
Overcome this by sharing insights about the freelancing world.
Write blogs, create videos, or share your own milestones to show that freelancing can be a sustainable and rewarding career.
Educating your network helps shift outdated perceptions and increases your visibility as an expert.
5. Maintain financial discipline
Freelancers need to manage their finances carefully.
Track your income, set aside money for taxes, and invest in tools or training that enhance your skills.
Having a solid financial plan not only keeps you on track, but also demonstrates professionalism and stability to potential clients.
Freelancing may have its challenges, but with the right approach, it’s a rewarding path.
Keep honing your skills, stay consistent, and never underestimate the value you bring.
The world is waking up to the importance of freelancers - and it’s important to position yourself at the forefront of this change.
If you're looking to start your freelancing journey, need help securing clients, or want personalised advice on navigating the world of freelancing, I’d love to connect!
Feel free to book a free consultation or reach out to discuss how I can support your business as a Social Media and Marketing Professional. Let’s create a path to success on your terms!
You can get in touch with me here:
Proofread and edited by Ché Milani
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