Yo !

There was a time when I thought being a good freelancer meant being available—always.

A client messages at 11 PM? I’d reply.

Revision request on a Sunday? “Sure, no problem.”

Back-to-back meetings with no time for lunch? Let’s go.

I wore it like a badge of honor. Akala ko, this was what it meant to be dedicated. That if I kept showing up for others, the rewards would follow—loyal clients, more money, stability.

But then, something shifted.

One night, I was physically at dinner with my family, pero mentally, I was drafting a response to a client’s “urgent” email. My wife asked me a question, and I nodded absentmindedly.

She put down her spoon and sighed. "Andyan ka na naman kaka-check ng messages mo! Wala ka na naman dito."

And that hit me. Because she was right.

I wasn’t there.

I was giving all my energy to clients who wouldn’t even notice if I disappeared for a day… while the people who truly mattered felt my absence.

I was present for everyone—except myself and the ones who actually cared about me.

That realization stung. And maybe it stings for you, too .

As freelancers, we don’t have office hours. We could technically work 24/7. And so many of us TRY TO—out of fear.

Fear of losing clients. Fear of disappointing people. Fear of missing out.

But here’s the truth: If you never set boundaries, you will never have peace.

The hard part? Setting those boundaries feels selfish at first. But it’s not. It’s survival.

So I made a change. I started:

✅ Setting actual work hours—and sticking to them

✅ Saying no to unreasonable requests without guilt

✅ Prioritizing my own goals, not just my clients’

And you know what happened?

The right clients respected it. The wrong ones left (which was a blessing). And the people who mattered most? They finally got me back.

So let me ask you: Who are you absent for right now?

Are you fully showing up for the people who matter—or are they getting the leftovers after work drains you dry?

Think about it. And if this hit home for you, reply and let me know. I’m right there in the boat with you.

Shoden “Guard Your Energy” San

Osha,



Shoden "Freelancing Erming Guard" San

PS: I found out pala yesterday guys that several people in my list were currently in-active members of the tribe and wanted to come back. 😊

I gotchu! click nyo lang both links guys. the second is for the discount sa returning members. It won't work if hindi returning though.

https://tfmt.ph/tfm2025

https://tfmt.ph/checkout/tribe-return

🎉 Pst. Don't Keep Me A Secret. refer this newsletter to your freelancer friends. This REALLY REALLY helps me a lot, thanks!