Let's be honest: if you had a dollar for every time someone said "Oh, so you work from home? Must be nice to be in your pajamas all day!," you'd probably have enough money to... well, buy some really nice pajamas.

Whether you’re already living the freelance life or new to the scene, chances are you’ve encountered more than your fair share of myths about what freelancing really is. Spoiler alert: it's neither as glamorous as Instagram makes it look, nor as chaotic as your worried relatives think it is.

At Wripple, we’ve heard it all, and we’re here to set the record straight. So, let’s bust a few myths. Shall we?

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Myth #1: "Freelancers Don't Have Real Jobs"

Ah yes, the classic. Because apparently, if you're not commuting 45 minutes to sit in a beige cubicle under fluorescent lighting, you're not "really working."

Here's the reality check: freelancers are managing client relationships, handling their own marketing, dealing with contracts and taxes, and, oh yeah, doing the work they were hired for. That's not less than a traditional job—that's about three jobs rolled into one.

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“If a real job means others are depending on you to deliver the requested work on time and within the requested time frame, then freelancing is as real as it gets.”  – Joshua Fuller, Full Stack Developer. Technology Consultant

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‍The freelance economy isn't some passing trend your uncle mentioned at Thanksgiving. In the U.S. alone, freelancers contributed $1.27 trillion to the economy in 2024. Companies aren't hiring freelancers as a cute experiment; they're doing it because skilled, independent professionals deliver results.

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Myth #2: “You’re Always Chillin’ in Pajamas”

Sure, we’ve all answered a few emails in fuzzy slippers. But freelancing isn’t a lazy river of midday naps and Netflix marathons.

Most freelancers juggle multiple clients, deadlines, and all the drudgery we listed in myth #1. If anything, freelancers have to be more organized, more disciplined, and more proactive than your average 9-to-5er.

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““Chillin'? Nope. When there's deadlines, you work hard until they are done! PJs? YES! Duh. Why wouldn't you want to be comfortable?” - Lisa Eckert, Designer

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That said, we still love a pair of good stretchy pants.

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Myth #3: "Freelancing Is Too Unstable and Risky"

Let's discuss stability for a moment. Is it really more stable to have one employer who can eliminate your entire income with two weeks' notice? In freelancing, if you lose one client, you still have others. If you get laid off from a traditional job, you have... well, you have to scramble to find a new position quickly.

Smart freelancers build stability through diversification. They maintain relationships with multiple clients, develop recurring revenue streams, and build emergency funds.  

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“Yes—freelancing can be unstable and risky. But it’s not an absolute, not by a long shot. If you’ve got the drive, the skill, and the mindset, you can make it work—and work well.” - Frank Vitale, 3D Motion Graphic Artist

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Risk exists everywhere. The question is whether you want the risk of depending entirely on someone else's decision-making or the risk of betting on your own skills and work ethic.

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Myth #4: “Freelancers Can’t Earn as Much as Full-Timers”

This myth usually comes from people who think freelancing means competing on pricing with someone offering logo design for $5. (Pro tip: it doesn't.)

The truth is that skilled freelancers can often out-earn their traditionally employed counterparts. Why? Because they're selling expertise, not just time. A freelance consultant who can solve a specific problem can be worth far more than someone who just shows up for eight hours a day.

Plus, freelancers have multiple income streams. While your office-bound friend is hoping for a 3% raise, you can raise your rates, take on higher-value projects, or develop passive income products. It's like having several bosses who all want to pay you, instead of one boss who may be looking for a way to pay you less.

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Myth #5: “You’re on Your Own.”

Freelancing doesn’t mean flying solo. In fact, today’s freelance economy is more connected than ever.

Sure, freelancers work independently, but many freelancers have robust professional networks, join industry communities, and maintain relationships with fellow freelancers. Many participate in coworking spaces, online forums, mastermind groups, and professional associations.

Plus, there's an entire ecosystem designed to support freelancers—from platforms that connect you with quality clients to communities where you can share experiences and get advice. The freelance world is surprisingly collaborative. Need help with a project outside your expertise? You probably know another freelancer who's perfect for it. Want to bounce ideas off someone? There's likely a Slack group for that.

Being your own boss doesn't mean being isolated or by yourself. It means having the freedom to choose who you surround yourself with professionally.

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The Real Story

Here's what freelancing actually is: it's a career choice that prioritizes autonomy, flexibility, and the opportunity to be fairly compensated for your expertise. It's not for everyone, and that's perfectly fine. But for those who choose it, it's not a stepping stone to a "real job"—it is the real job.

The best freelancers understand that success comes from treating their work professionally, continuously developing their skills, and building strong client relationships. They know their worth, communicate clearly, and deliver exceptional results.

Whether you're finding clients through your network, traditional job boards, or platforms that actually understand what freelancers need (hint, hint), the key is approaching your freelance career with the same professionalism and strategy you'd bring to any other business venture.

Because at the end of the day, that's exactly what it is: your business, your rules, your success.