There’s this image floating around social media of what “working from home” looks like.

Lounging in pajamas, Netflix in the background, sipping iced coffee while casually earning six figures.

Let’s break it now.
That’s not the real story.

As someone who’s been in the remote work and freelancing space for over 15 years, I’ve seen what actually works, what doesn’t, and what too many people wish they had known before they quit their jobs to “work from home.”

So, if you’re dreaming of freelancing, or considering becoming a VA or a remote digital professional, let’s talk about the myths and the real truth behind them.

Myth #1: Working from home is easy.
It’s not. It’s flexible, yes. But easy? Not quite.

You still have deadlines. You still have to show up, sometimes even more consistently than in an office job. Because now, you’re the boss and the employee.

Myth #2: You can earn big money instantly.
This is one of the most dangerous myths out there.

Yes, there’s potential to earn well, especially in the online space but it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, skills, strategy, and experience. And if you don’t treat freelancing like a serious career, you’ll find yourself lost, frustrated, and broke.

Another one – Yes, may mga freelancers na kumikita ng malaki.
But often, it’s because they’re juggling multiple clients at the same time, taking on more work than they can realistically handle. And in some cases, they’re not fully dedicating the time they’re being paid for. I say this with gentleness and no judgment because I know what it’s like to want to provide more, to earn more, to maximize every opportunity.

But here’s the thing:
When you overbook and under-deliver, it doesn’t just affect your health. It affects your integrity and long-term reputation. Some foreign clients begin to lose trust in Filipino freelancers because of inconsistent output or unmet expectations. Something I say with a heavy heart, because I know how incredibly talented and hardworking we truly are.

So instead of chasing short-term gains, why not build long-term partnerships?
Honor the hours you’re paid for. Give your client the right headspace, fair time, and focus. You’ll be surprised how much more fulfilling and sustainable that kind of work can be.

Because let’s be honest: Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. And trust, once broken, is hard to rebuild.
Success in freelancing isn’t just about what you earn. It’s also about how you earn it… with honesty, quality, and pride in the work you do.

Myth #3: It’s all passive income and no stress.
Sorry, no.

The “freedom” that comes with remote work still comes with pressure. The pressure to perform, to stay relevant, to land clients, and to manage your own time and productivity. The difference is, now you’re also the IT department, the accountant, the HR team, and sometimes, the office janitor. It’s a business, and businesses require energy.

Myth #4: Anyone can just resign and start freelancing.
Technically, yes. But should they? Not without preparation.

I’ve met so many women, moms especially who left the corporate world thinking freelancing was the solution. But they didn’t have a strategy. They didn’t upskill. They didn’t prepare a safety net. And so, a few months in, they were anxious, unsure, and running out of money. It’s not about discouragement. It’s about being realistic.

Here’s What No One Tells You
Freelancing is not a shortcut to freedom.
Clients don’t magically show up, you need to learn how to find them, pitch, and retain them.
You can’t survive with outdated skills. You need to keep learning.
You need boundaries, a plan, and the mindset of a business owner.
And yes, it can be rewarding. So fulfilling, in fact.
But not without the inner work, the discipline, and the courage to treat it like what it truly is, a real career path.

What You Need Before You Dive In
Before you quit your job or dive headfirst into freelancing, ask yourself:
✅ Do I have in-demand skills clients are looking for?
✅ Am I willing to learn and adapt consistently?
✅ Do I have a backup plan if things don’t go the way I expect?
✅ Am I treating this like a serious, long-term decision?

Romanticizing WFH Helps No One
I’ve seen too many women struggle from jumping without a parachute.
Yes, I believe in flexibility.
Yes, I believe in freedom.
But I also believe in strategy, skill-building, and sustainability.
So the next time you see another “Work from the beach and earn 100K” ad. Please, pause.

Then ask yourself: Am I prepared to make this work? Not as a fantasy, but as a real and thriving career?

If the answer is yes then I’m here, cheering for you, and ready to help you do it the right way.