Why funemployment can actually be good for you (and your business)
We know, we know: it’s easy to say “embrace the downtime” when you’re not stressing over next month’s rent. But here’s the thing—freelance pauses can be powerful if you use them with intention. They’re a chance to reconnect with your creativity, reassess your direction, and strengthen your business behind the scenes.
Here’s what funemployment can help you do:
Reflect on what’s working—and what isn’t
Maybe you’ve outgrown certain types of clients. Maybe you’re ready to niche down. Now’s the time to check in with yourself and make some bold shifts.Reconnect with your why
When you’re constantly in client mode, it’s easy to lose sight of why you started. Use this time to get back to what lights you up.Sharpen your systems
Update your onboarding process. Automate your proposals. Create email templates. All the behind-the-scenes stuff that future-you will thank you for.Take guilt-free rest
You’re not being “lazy”—you’re recovering from running your own business. And honestly? That’s work, too.
“Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.”
“I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow”
How to avoid the spiral: mindset shifts that matter
Downtime can mess with your head. Let’s talk about the mental side of things first.
1. Separate your identity from your income
Just because you’re not earning this week doesn’t mean you’re not valuable. Your worth isn’t tied to your billable hours. Say it again for the people in the back.
2. Reframe “nothing booked” as “time to build”
Having no active client work doesn’t mean you have nothing to do. In fact, this is prime time to work on your business, not just in it.
3. Remind yourself: it’s a season, not a forever
Every freelancer has dry spells. The clients will come back. New ones will find you. This is a pause, not a stop.
4. Celebrate the freedom you’ve built
You created a life where you can have a Tuesday afternoon nap without asking for permission. That’s a win—even if the calendar’s a little empty right now.
Built by freelancers for freelancers.
“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.”
What to actually do during your freelance downtime
Okay, mindset on point. Now what? Here are some high-impact, low-stress things you can do to make the most of your funemployment season:
1. Refresh your portfolio, website, or LinkedIn
Remember that big project you were proud of six months ago that never made it to your site? Now’s your chance. Update your case studies, tweak your service packages, or finally write that “About Me” that doesn’t feel like a bad dating profile.
✨ Pro tip: Add testimonials, results, or “before and after” transformations to show off your impact.
2. Reconnect with past clients (in a non-salesy way)
Your next gig might be a follow-up away. Reach out with a genuine check-in, share an article they might like, or ask how their project has been going since you wrapped. It’s not about pushing a pitch—it’s about staying top of mind.
✨ Swipe this message:
“Hey [Name], I was thinking about our project the other day and wanted to check in! How’s everything been going since we wrapped? No pressure at all—just wanted to say hi and see how things are on your end.”
3. Start a passion project
Design a dream brand for a fake client. Write a blog post you’ve been sitting on. Launch that newsletter or creative series you always push to the bottom of your to-do list. Projects with zero pressure can reignite your creativity and help attract future clients who vibe with your style.
4. Audit your biz back-end
It’s not sexy, but it’s necessary. Clean up your finances. Revisit your rates. Create templates for proposals, onboarding, or offboarding. These small upgrades make a big difference when you get busy again.
✨ Need inspo?
Update your Notion dashboard
Build a welcome packet
Set up an automated invoice system
Review your expenses and cut the subscriptions you forgot about
5. Learn something new (or fun!)
Enroll in a short course, test out a new tool, or explore a creative hobby. Not everything has to be about ROI. Sometimes playing leads to progress in the most unexpected ways.
6. Rest. Seriously. Actually rest.
Watch a movie in the middle of the day. Sleep in. Read a book for fun. Reclaim your energy without guilt. This isn’t wasted time—it’s part of sustainable success.
A few bonus ideas if you’re feeling extra ✨
Host a free workshop or office hours to give back + build authority
Collaborate with another freelancer on a fun campaign
Create a digital product (like a template, guide, or resource)
Pitch yourself to podcasts or guest blogs
Start documenting your journey—clients love the BTS
What not to do during your slow season (no shame, just love)
Don’t panic apply to jobs you don’t actually want
Desperation energy is real—and it rarely leads to aligned work.Don’t slash your rates to fill your calendar
Your value didn’t change overnight. Trust that the right work will return.Don’t isolate yourself
Hop into a coworking session, message a fellow freelancer, or just DM someone you admire. You’re not in this alone.
You’re still working—even when it looks different
There’s this pressure in hustle culture to be constantly busy. But building a business with breathing room? That’s the real flex.
Funemployment isn’t the enemy. It’s a chapter in the freelance story—one that gives you space to rest, reflect, and realign. And when the next big client comes knocking (because they will), you’ll be ready. Recharged. Re-inspired. Re-centered.
So take the nap. Build the thing. Reach out. Reconnect.
And remember: You’re not falling behind. You’re building something on your own terms.
Over to you
Have you had a season of funemployment recently? What helped you get through it—or even enjoy it? Drop a comment or share this post with a freelancer who needs the reminder today.
Big love,
The Freelancing Females Team 💖
