If you’ve ever had Zoom meetings while in your pambahay, fixed a printer for your mom in the middle of a deadline, or suddenly became your nephew’s math tutor during what was supposed to be your lunch break—congrats. You are a true freelancer. These funny little habits are more than quirks… they’re survival skills.

Let’s be real: freelancing comes with some unique lifestyle choices. You might look unhinged to the corporate world—but to us? These are just signs you’re thriving (or at least surviving). Here’s a funny list of freelancer habits that actually make sense when you think about it.

1. Wearing pambahay 24/7 and calling it “work attire”

Because why wear real pants when you’re already productive in your favorite shorts? The tip: comfort boosts focus and saves laundry.

2. Saying “I’ll rest after this project”… every single week

Spoiler: rest never comes. But hey, we’re passionate about what we do (and maybe addicted to deadlines…and income). Tip: schedule rest like a meeting, or it won’t happen.

3. Knowing all the local coffee shops by heart

You’re not just a freelancer—you’re a caffeine strategist. Freelance tip: budget-friendly coffee = better margins for your snack fund.

4. Turning 15-minute breaks into deep dives on Upwork, Canva, or Shopee promos

It’s “productive procrastination.” You’re learning something… probably. Real talk: Use browser bookmarks to track your fave tools and sites.

5. Explaining your job to relatives as “online stuff”

It’s just easier that way. You could say “digital marketing strategist,” but you’d still end up fixing their printer.

6. Having five different “desks” around the house

Couch today, bed tomorrow, kitchen stool when you’re feeling brave. The hidden benefit? Movement helps fight the freelancer slouch.

7. Doing chores between Zoom calls like a multitasking ninja

Folding laundry during client feedback? Check. Tip: Batching housework into sprints is actually a great productivity hack.

8. Muting every single app except your client’s main one

We’re not antisocial—we’re just selectively available. Prioritizing one channel keeps your brain from frying.

9. Googling “passive income ideas” at 2 am instead of sleeping

Because we want our money to work as hard as we do. Freelancer tip: Curiosity is good, but don’t let research replace rest.

10. Calling fellow freelancers “coworkers” even if you’ve never met IRL

Community keeps us sane. Pro move: Join online groups or forums to feel less alone in the hustle.

11. Using Trello for groceries and Notion for life plans

Because project management tools are basically adulting upgrades. Life is the project. You are the client.

12. Saying “Sige na nga” to one more client even if your brain is fried

Boundaries? Still working on it. Tip: Learn to say no with grace—it protects your time and your quality of work.

13. Saying “I’m free anytime,” then panicking when they actually book a call

You meant “free” in theory. Not emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.

14. Having 3 time zones memorized—Client 1, Client 2, and PH time.

You’ve accidentally scheduled calls at 3 am enough times to learn your lesson. (Mostly.)

15. Calling your room “the office” when it’s literally just a desk beside your bed

It counts. Especially if you added a plant.

16. Having at least 3 time zones memorized—Client 1, Client 2, and PH time

Because when you’ve got multiple clients, you’ve got multiple calendars… and multiple income streams. We’re not confused—we’re booked and blessed.

My Tita Thoughts

Freelancing might look chaotic from the outside, but these quirky habits? They’re how we stay afloat, stay sane, and sometimes even stay ahead. So the next time someone laughs at your pambahay work attire, just smile—you’re running a business in house slippers.

Have a question or just want to connect? Feel free to send me an email or follow along on Instagram @virtualtita. Let’s talk freelancing, personal finance, or anything in between. And if you’d like tips and stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for the newsletter below.