20 freelance stereotypes: from personal to work life

As freelancers we face many obsticals and opposition. Unfortunately, the majority come from our friends and family. Stereotypes of freelancers is definitely nothing new, but when you really look at this list, you’re going to notice a “not so nice” thought process that most people have when it comes to our livlihood. Regardless of it being from jealously, admiration, hatred or any other emotion they’re expressing, the stereotypes can apply to almost every freelancer out there. I know you’ve heard at least 5 of these. If you haven’t, please let me know because you are a rare breed So check out the list and let me know in the comments what you think – and if you’ve got more to add, feel free to let me know.

Freelance Stereotypes in your Personal Life

1. We only shower once/twice per week - come on, we care about personal hygeine just as much as the 9-5′er.
2. We sleep all day - Unless we’re working all night, we’re generally not sleeping all day.
3. We drink enormous amounts of coffee - I can speak personally and say that I do NOT drink coffee … monster energy drinks is another story though
4. We are loners and do not have friends - For the most part, not true. We generally laugh at our friends at 3pm when we’re drinking and they’re still at their cubicle
5. We watch television all day - I know a lot of freelancers who do not even have a television in their house. I generally watch 1 hour or so per day on average.
6. We play video games all day - similar to the above, except a lot of people I know do not even play video games at all.
7. We are “starving artists” - Not true. I can personally say that my freelance business brings in more than both of my parents who both work full time jobs making around $15.00 per hour each – and I work 20-30 hours per week on average
8. We have highly unhealthy eating habits - I used to fall into this stereotype but after talking to a few fellow freelancers, I am now on a 5 day per week work out regime.
9. We are stressed and/or depressed - I love what I do for a living and I love the freedom of my life. The stress comes during low times, but generally speaking, I know a lot of freelancers who are extremely happy.
10. We use the word “Freelancer” as a cover for “Unemployed” - I had my aunt tell me that she got business cards for her “job” and when I showed her mine, she asked “what are these?” and I replied “THESE are for MY JOB” and she got really quiet. Why do people think we’re unemployed? Unintelligent thoughts I guess.

Freelance Stereotypes in your Work Life

1. We work in our underwear every day - lets be honest, it’s only three/four times a week  
2. We are undereducated - this is mainly in regards to how a lot of freelancers do not have college degrees
3. We only work 1-2 hours per day and “skate by” - some of us actually do work 1-2 hours per day while most work 8-14 hours per day
4. We do a lot of spec work and only get paid “sometimes” - any quality freelancer will speak with me on this and say NO SPEC WORK!
5. Freelancing is just a code word for “get rich quick” - no, it takes hard work to get going and learning all of the ropes. No get rich quick here
6. We need to find venture capital in order to start our businesses – In most cases, your freelance career can start for $25.00 and a few hours time (more on this soon in an  upcoming article)
7. We have the easy life and our jobs are “super easy” - Again, please refer to #3 for the general hours per day that freelancers work
8. Freelancers are 100% web workers – False. Starting your own business without a computer is totally feasable (ie: child care, meals on wheels, cleaning company, ect)
9. We are “smooth criminals” and “steal from the government” - In most cases, freelancers have proper documentation, tax information, accountants, savings accounts, and so on. And we do not rob, steal or rip people off to make money!
10. Anybody can be a successful freelancer - note: i said “successful”. You can freelance, but being successful and profitable is an entirely different story.

So there you have it, 20 freelance stereotypes that I personally have seen/heard. Do you know of stereotypes that aren’t on the list, but you’re personally dealing with? Please let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear some of the other rediculous things people say about us