It’s Fine, I’m a Freelancer

#034. What I learned from sharing my freelance income with the world

In this episode, I’m unpacking the Metro article that shared my income as a freelance writer (yes, the one with the headline about me earning £232,000 a year).
Divulging those numbers was both terrifying and empowering, and I’m sharing why I said yes to the interview, how it felt to have my business laid out in a national newspaper, and the waves of comments (supportive, skeptical, and everything in between) that followed.
I’ll walk you through the assumptions people made about my success, the realities behind those income figures, and what the conversation revealed about freelancing stereotypes, privilege, AI, and the industries we work in.
Most importantly, I’ll share the lessons I’ve learned about transparency, resilience, and why I believe we need to talk more openly about success in freelancing.
If you’ve ever read someone else’s income breakdown and thought, that could never be me, this episode is especially for you.

#033. What high-earning freelancers do differently

In this episode, I dive into a question that came up after a Reddit thread about me: what do high-earning freelancers do differently? 
I share my own journey, from charging £20 per piece on Upwork and working 14-hour days, to now running a six-figure freelance business. The shifts that made the biggest difference weren’t about becoming three times “better” at writing. They were about how I positioned myself (moving from task-taker to strategic partner), how I built and nurtured long-term relationships, and how I consistently showed up online to stay visible.
I also talk honestly about timing, privilege, and the cyclical nature of freelancing, because those play a role too. I’ve had quiet inboxes, lost anchor clients, and gone through tough patches, just like everyone else.
If you’ve ever wondered why some freelancers seem to be making three times more than you, this episode will remind you that it’s less about raw talent and more about building an ecosystem around your work. 

#032. Why some freelancers are thriving and others are struggling

In this episode, I want to have an honest conversation about something I’ve been noticing in the freelance world: the growing gap between freelancers who are thriving and those who are struggling.
I’ll dive into why this divide exists, the psychological impact it can have, and what we can do (both as individuals and as a community) to bridge it.
 
We’ll explore:
 
Why freelancing feels harder than ever for some people right now
What’s helping certain freelancers thrive even in the same economy
The disconnect (and sometimes tension) between these two groups
How both sides can approach things with more empathy, honesty, and support

#031. How to recession-proof your freelance niche

I’m diving into something I’ve been thinking about for months: is niching down still the smartest move for freelancers, or has it become our Achilles heel?
With AI evolving fast and creative work becoming increasingly commodified, I'm seeing more freelancers get replaced, undercut, or overlooked. So today, I unpack what I’m calling The Great Skill Reset, a.k.a. a shift that’s changing how clients hire, what they value, and what it means to be a resilient freelancer in 2025.
I talk about:
Why old-school niching advice doesn’t quite hold up anymore
The rise of "contextual intelligence" and consultative creatives
How to future-proof your freelance business without becoming a jack-of-all-trades
Why outcomes > outputs (and how to reposition yourself accordingly)
For 70% off FreshBooks, go to freshbooks.com/pricing-offer

#030. Why being "just a freelancer" isn't enough anymore

When I first started freelancing, I genuinely thought being great at my craft was enough. But in today’s landscape? That’s just the beginning. In this episode, I’m unpacking what it really takes to thrive as a freelancer in 2025, and why just having skills no longer cuts it.
Thanks to AI, increased competition, and the rise of personal brands, we’re expected to be so much more than service providers. We’re marketers, strategists, community builders, and content creators... often all at once. I’ll share how this shift has changed the way we work, what it means for our identities, and how to show up in a way that feels sustainable and real.
If you’ve ever felt the pressure to “do more” just to stay relevant, or you’re wondering how to stand out without selling out, this one’s for you.
For 70% off FreshBooks, go to freshbooks.com/pricing-offer

#029. The secret to my stable, consistent income as a freelancer

In this episode of It's Fine, I'm a Freelancer, I'm diving into client retainers—what they are, how they can stabilise your freelance income, and why they’ve been such a game-changer for my business.
I share practical tips for turning one-off projects into long-term relationships, setting boundaries that actually work, and structuring retainers that make sense for both you and your client. If you're tired of the feast-or-famine cycle and want to build a more predictable, sustainable freelance business, this one’s for you.
For 70% off FreshBooks, go to freshbooks.com/pricing-offer

#028. How personal branding helped me build a six-figure freelance business

In this episode, I'm getting real about something that’s completely changed my freelance career: building a personal brand.
I’m not talking about cheesy Instagram grids or shouting into the LinkedIn void, I’m talking about showing up online in a way that feels genuine, that helps you connect with the right clients, and that turns your presence into one of your biggest business assets.
I share how I went from £20 gigs on Upwork to £850+ blog posts for top-tier clients, how I built a six-figure business a team, and how you can start shaping your own personal brand (without the cringe).
For 70% off FreshBooks, go to freshbooks.com/pricing-offer

#027. How to productise your freelance services for a better balance

In this episode, I dive into how freelancers can start thinking more like a product studio to build a more sustainable, less burnout-y business. I share how I’ve shifted from being a traditional service provider to creating an ecosystem of offers (including productised services and digital products) that support my clients and my creativity.
If you’re tired of the feast-or-famine cycle, constantly pitching, or reinventing the wheel with every project, this one’s for you.
Go to freshbooks.com/pricing-offer to get 70% off FreshBooks.  

#026. Freelancing in the age of AI

AI: terrifying dystopian nightmare or helpful assistant? In this episode, I dive headfirst into one of the biggest questions freelancers are facing right now—what does the rise of AI mean for our careers?
If you've been feeling a bit blah about freelancing in 2025, you're not alone. I share my own experiences with shifting client demand, fewer inquiries, and the existential weirdness that comes with wondering if robots are coming for your job. But instead of doomscrolling, I'm reframing the narrative.
You’ll hear:
Why AI isn’t the enemy (and why your creativity is safe)
How brands are actually thinking about AI
Smart ways to use AI to speed up your boring tasks
A refreshing reminder that human connection still matters (a lot)
Whether you're resisting AI, dabbling with it, or deep in the experimentation phase, this episode is a real-talk, no-fluff pep talk for freelancers navigating this weird, changing landscape.
Spoiler: it's not the end of freelancing—but it is time to evolve.
Go to freshbooks.com/pricing-offer to get 70% off FreshBooks. 

#025. How to work less and do more of what you love

In this episode, I tackle the crucial but often overlooked topic of working less while maintaining income and job satisfaction.
Drawing from my personal journey, I share how I transitioned from working 12-14 hour days on content mill pieces to a more sustainable 20-hour workweek with higher-quality clients.
I also share practical strategies like the "Joy Audit" to help freelancers identify fulfilling projects, and offer actionable advice on gradually phasing out draining work while maintaining financial stability.
I share daily tips on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok, and weekly advice in my Friday Freelance Tips newsletter. 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzie-davey-4a85b575/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freelancemagic.co/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@freelancemagic
Newsletter: https://freelancemagic.co/fridaytips-newsletter