Are you a freelancer struggling to shut off work, set boundaries, and prioritize tasks without feeling overwhelmed?
In this episode of the Freelance Sucks podcast, we talked with Faith Rivera, a public speaker, change leader, and human development advocate, about the hardest part of freelancing—learning to stop working, setting boundaries, and staying productive without burnout.
From this episode, you'll learn how to:
✅ set boundaries to avoid working 24/7
✅ prioritize tasks without feeling overwhelmed
✅ build a to-do list that actually works
✅ protect your time and energy while networking
✅ shift from saying "yes" to everything to focusing on what truly matters
Watch now and take control of your freelance journey! 🚀
Or listen to it here 👇
Why freelancers struggle with work-life balance
Freelancing offers freedom, but it comes with a major downside—the work never really ends.
When you're your own boss, it's easy to:
- feel like you should be working all the time,
- chase every idea or project that comes to mind,
- say yes to too many meetings, networking events, or client requests,
- struggle to set limits on your availability.
Without boundaries and a clear prioritization system, freelancers risk burnout, exhaustion, and decreased productivity.
But the good news? You can regain control of your time with a few simple strategies.
1. Set boundaries to protect your time
One of the hardest parts of freelancing is learning to stop working. But without time to recharge, you won’t be able to perform at your best.
Here’s how to set effective boundaries:
✅ Set strict work hours: stop working at a set time each day (e.g., no work after 7 PM).
✅ Physically separate work from life: put your laptop away and avoid screens at night.
✅ Engage in non-work activities: read, cook, or do something creative to disconnect.
✅ Schedule “off” days: decide when you will (and won’t) take meetings or client calls.
💡 Remember: If you don’t protect your time, no one else will.
2. Prioritize smartly: not everything is urgent
When everything feels important, it’s hard to know where to start. How do you choose what truly matters?
Try this simple daily prioritization system:
1️⃣ Review your calendar: what meetings or deadlines do you have today?
2️⃣ Check your to-do list: what’s truly important vs. just “nice to do”?
3️⃣ Limit your daily focus: choose only 5-6 key tasks to complete each day.
4️⃣ Be realistic: schedule tasks based on actual available time, not wishful thinking.
💡 Tools like Notion or a simple paper planner can help you brain-dump ideas so you don’t get stuck in overthinking mode.
3. Stop saying "yes" to everything (and everyone)
Not every opportunity is worth your time. Instead of attending every networking event or taking every meeting, ask yourself:
- Is this event bringing me closer to my ideal clients?
- Does this meeting serve a purpose, or is it just a time drain?
- Am I saying yes out of guilt, or because it’s truly valuable?
✅ Be selective: only commit to opportunities that align with your goals.
✅ Protect your energy: networking can be draining, so choose events wisely.
✅ Learn to say no: declining opportunities that don’t serve you is a sign of success, not failure.
💡 Every time you say yes to something unnecessary, you’re saying no to your focus and well-being.
4. Create a system for capturing ideas
Freelancers constantly develop new ideas, but jumping on every idea immediately can be overwhelming.
Instead of letting new thoughts derail your focus:
- Write them down on paper instead of opening your phone or computer.
- Revisit ideas the next day to decide if they truly fit into your plans.
- Use project management tools like Notion or Google Sheets to organize tasks.
💡 Having a system in place keeps your mind clear and ensures you work on the right things at the right time.
5. Avoid calendar chaos and set meeting limits
Many freelancers struggle with an overbooked calendar.
If your week is filled with back-to-back meetings, here’s how to take back control:
✅ Set meeting days – choose specific days for meetings (e.g., only on Tuesdays and Thursdays).
✅ Remove your public calendar link – avoid random bookings from people who don’t respect your time.
✅ Block time for deep work – schedule time to focus without interruptions.
💡 Faith shared that setting strict calendar rules felt scary at first, but ultimately reduced stress and improved productivity.
6. Build a freelance support system
Freelancing can be lonely, but finding a community of like-minded professionals can make a huge difference:
✅ Surround yourself with people who "get it" – join freelancer communities, mastermind groups, or online forums.
✅ Have a go-to venting system – if you need to complain, set a 5-minute timer, then shift to problem-solving mode.
✅ Avoid negative spirals – complaining without action only leads to chronic frustration.
💡 Successful freelancers don’t just work alone—they build connections that keep them accountable and motivated.
7. Set up systems early
If you’re just starting out in freelancing, don’t wait too long to build systems.
What systems should you set up ASAP:
- A task management system (Notion, Trello, or a simple planner).
- A CRM for client tracking (HubSpot, Streak, or a spreadsheet).
- A financial tracking tool (QuickBooks, Wave, or manual tracking).
💡 Faith shared that waiting too long to set up systems caused unnecessary stress. Do it early, and save yourself the headache.
TL;DR
🚀 Freelancing isn’t about working 24/7—it’s about working smarter.
✅ Set boundaries so work doesn’t consume your life.
✅ Prioritize tasks wisely instead of trying to do everything.
✅ Say no to unnecessary meetings and networking events.
✅ Create systems to capture ideas and manage your workload.
✅ Find a community to stay accountable and avoid loneliness.
Quotes from this episode
1️⃣ "Freelancing gives you freedom, but if you don’t set boundaries, it will take all of it away."
2️⃣ "Your to-do list will never end—learning when to stop is the real skill."
3️⃣ "Not every opportunity is meant for you. The sooner you define your ideal clients, the better your business will be."
4️⃣ "Loneliness is real in freelancing. Find people who get it, because support makes all the difference."
5️⃣ "The biggest mistake I made? Waiting too long to build systems. Set up your tools early—it will save you time, stress, and headaches."
