Respecting Freelancers

2025, we're seeing businesses increasingly built on flexibility, innovation, and digital expertise. This is where I come in! Freelancers have become the backbone of modern business. (yay)

From branding and marketing to coding and consulting, we are in a golden era of remote specialists. Yet, one uncomfortable reality still lingers: the undervaluing of freelancers’ time, talent, and worth.

Let’s talk about it.

Freelancers Aren’t Just "Extra Help", They’re Experts

Freelancers often step in to deliver work that would otherwise take companies weeks (if not months) to resource internally. They juggle strategy, execution, client communication, admin, and ongoing learning, all without the perks of paid leave, job security, or employer-funded superannuation. They're not doing you a favour, they’re offering a service, built on years of experience, up-skilling, and self-discipline.

Yet, how often are freelancers asked to "just whip something up" or offered “exposure” in lieu of fair pay?

It’s time to shift the mindset.

Time Is Money, Even If You Don’t See It

That social media graphic? It took 15 years of learning design software, brand psychology, and copywriting nuance. That 60-second TikTok ad? It took hours of scripting, editing, researching trends, and testing formats. When you hire a freelancer, you're not buying just an hour, you’re buying a result, which is the product of a lifetime of refining.

And when you ask a freelancer to discount their rate, you’re not negotiating a sale, you’re potentially undermining their livelihood.

Communication and Boundaries Matter

Respecting a freelancer also means respecting the structure they’ve set. This includes:

• Agreed timelines: If the deadline is 5 days, don't expect it in 24 hours.

• Working hours: Freelancers often work flexible hours, not 24/7 availability.

• Scope creep: That “one quick change” might take an hour. Don’t assume it’s free.

Professional freelancers aren’t hard to work with. They’re just clear on boundaries because they’ve had to be.

If You Want Quality, Pay for It

Want someone who will hit the ground running, get it right the first time, and bring new thinking to your brand? That costs money. And rightfully so.

Freelancers price their work not to “charge as much as possible,” but to cover their software, systems, tax, health care, and ongoing training. If they’re good at what they do, and if you value results, pay their rate. Don’t haggle someone down for providing you with a premium service.

Final Thoughts: Respect Is a Two-Way Street

Working with freelancers can be an amazing experience. You’re partnering with someone who’s all-in on helping you succeed. The least we can do is show up with respect, for their time, their prices, their process, and their craft.

Freelancers aren’t just part of the workforce, they are the future of work.

Treat them accordingly.