I know the phrase “become your own boss” sounds a little cliché, but honestly, that’s exactly what I did when I left my not-so-great 9–5.

I’ve been freelancing since 2019, yep, before COVID made remote work the norm—so I’ve lived through the highs, the challenges, and all the lessons of running a business from home. Walking away from a steady paycheck, a predictable schedule, and the comfort of knowing exactly what to expect each month was terrifying. But staying in an office life that drained me wasn’t an option anymore. Taking that leap into the unknown was one of the hardest (and best) decisions I’ve ever made, and I haven’t regretted it for a second.

If you’re thinking about freelancing or starting your own online business, here are some tried-and-true tips that have kept me productive, inspired, and sane while working from home.

Freelancing Tip #1: Don’t Let Yourself Go

Work-from-Home Productivity Hack: Create a Workspace You Love

Having a designated workspace is non-negotiable. A couch or bed might sound cozy, but trust me—your back (and your focus) will thank you later. Honestly, my ergonomics professor in college would be so mad if she saw me hunched over a laptop on the couch!

Start with the basics: a desk, a comfy chair, good lighting, and plenty of outlets. I’m a big fan of keeping things visual, so I always have a planner or agenda nearby to write things down.

Here’s a pro tip most people don’t mention: avoid glass, marble, or other cold hard surfaces as your desk. They might look sleek, but they’re brutal on your elbows and wrists if you work long hours. Your workspace should support you: literally.

And here’s a little fun fact about me: I’m totally old school when it comes to planning. I need to physically write things down in a notebook or agenda to stay organized, it just sticks better for me. My husband, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. He’s all about tech: Google Calendar, iPad notes, apps for everything. It’s a running joke in our house, but it shows that your workspace (and system) should match your personality.

Then add a little inspiration: photos you love, a couple of coffee table books, maybe even string lights. Your space should make you feel creative, motivated, and excited to sit down and get things done.

Pro Boundaries Tip: Set Clear Work Hours

One of the biggest challenges of freelancing is knowing when to stop. When your office is at home, it’s easy to slip into “always on” mode. That’s why setting clear working hours is a game-changer; for your sanity and for your clients.

Here’s what I do:

• Add my office hours in my email signature and on my website, so clients know exactly when I’m available.
• Update my Slack status with working times, so collaborators respect my boundaries.
• On my iPhone, I use Focus modes – switching to Personal or Sleep when I’m done for the day. That way, work notifications stop creeping into my downtime.

Another huge shift for me was switching to a desktop computer instead of relying only on a laptop. It helps me physically separate work from life, no more dragging projects to the couch, the kitchen table, or even lunch. When I log off, I really log off.

For years, I used an iMac and loved it, but my Mac Mini has truly been the best setup for me. Having a dedicated desktop station makes it easier to enforce boundaries and keep work in its place.

Creating these boundaries helps clients respect your time and allows you to fully recharge: so when you’re working, you’re focused, productive, and at your best.

Remote Work Tip: Don’t Forget to Socialize

Freelancing can get lonely. When you leave traditional work, you also leave behind water-cooler chats and team brainstorming sessions.

I prefer working from home over a co-working space, which means I have to be intentional about getting out of the house. Grocery runs, coffee dates, even short walks with my dog to reset my brain, they all help me feel connected.

Working for yourself doesn’t have to mean working by yourself. Find ways to weave in social moments that keep you grounded and remind you that there’s life outside of your laptop.

Becoming Your Own Boss in 2025 and Beyond

Leaving my 9-5 was scary, but building a business on my own terms has been transformational. Since 2019, freelancing has taught me that it’s not just about making a living: it’s about designing a lifestyle.

If you’re on the edge of making that decision, here’s my advice: create routines, build a space that inspires you, and don’t forget to connect with people outside of your work bubble.

Becoming your own boss isn’t just about quitting a job, it’s about creating a life and business that make you happier, healthier, and way more fulfilled.