Everyone talks about revenue and freedom. Nobody talks about the loneliness, the self-doubt, the admin, the taxes, the isolation. What is the hardest part for you that does not make the highlight reel?

For me, it was time investment. You have to be willing to invest a good amount of time and it will almost always be unpaid. This is especially true when you are at the starting line or your business is still in its infancy.

The hardest part is doing the work when there’s no immediate reward and no one cheering you on

The loneliness. I work from home. My partner works in an office. I have no coworkers. No water cooler. Some days I do not speak to another adult until dinner. It is the part I was least prepared for.

On 6/18/2026 at 8:43 PM, DerekNoBS said:

the taxes

This one always stings. When I started taking in some money on the side online, I realized that I was going to have to track everything and account for every penny. If I didn't know what I earned, I risked being overtaxed and possibly owing the IRS money.

@HannahK I solved that by joining a coworking space. Not for the desk. For the people. I do not talk to anyone most days. But knowing other humans are nearby prevents the isolation spiral.

@Marcus Chen Coworking is expensive where I live. I started a weekly Zoom co-working session with three other freelancers. Cameras on. Mute unless asking a question. It is not the same as in-person but it helps.

@SamC Can I join? I have been struggling with this exact thing. I did not even know virtual co-working was a thing.

@SamC @Jenna Torres I might try this. I have been dismissive of virtual connection but your description sounds exactly like what I need. Not networking. Just parallel work with human proximity.