EP342: Year-End Reflection: Review, Revise, and Recharge for the Year Ahead
Learn how to conduct a writing business year-end review without overwhelm, reflect on your wins, and set powerful goals for 2026.
“Employees have a structure around them. Freelancers have to build that themselves—and sometimes we fall off our own to-do list.”
“If you’re giving freelancers a bad experience, they’ll talk. And it’ll cost you more to find great talent.”
“Mental health isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s something everyone has, and it needs proactive care.”
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Matthew Knight, founder of Leapers.co, a global community supporting the mental health of the self-employed. We dig deep into the realities of freelancing—beyond the myths of freedom and flexibility—to explore the emotional toll, hidden stressors, and the urgent need for systemic support.
Matthew shares insights from six years of annual research with 700–800 freelancers, uncovering what really affects mental health in self-employment—from client ghosting to financial instability. He offers a compelling case for why clients must play a role in improving freelancers’ wellbeing—and how failing to do so leads to real business consequences.
Whether you’re a freelancer, thinking of becoming one, or work with independent professionals, this episode will give you eye-opening perspectives and practical steps for creating a healthier, more sustainable freelance experience.
The emotional and structural challenges freelancers face
Why 70% of freelancers report mental health impacts from work
How Leapers gathers data from hundreds of freelancers each year
What clients must do to support freelancers—and why it matters
Why self-employed people fall off their own to-do lists
The rise of “forced freelancing” and who’s most affected
How AI and job instability may shift more people into freelance work
Building your own support system when one isn’t provided for you
The ABCs of freelancer wellbeing: Awareness, Boundaries, Community
Matthew Knight is the founder of Leapers – an award-winning project supporting the mental health of freelancers. Since 2017, he’s supported over 250,000 freelancers’ mental health, through community, resources, and advice on taking care of your wellbeing when you’re self-employed. A member of the Mental Health at Work Leadership Council, Matthew speaks regularly on the topics of freelancing wellbeing for outlets like the Guardian, BBC, Channel 5, and Mail Online, and is a vocal advocate for working more respectfully with freelancers.
Leapers.co – Support for the mental health of freelancers
Leapers Substack – Weekly insights, guides & resources
Website: www.leapers.co
Share your freelance story anonymously or get support from the community
EP287: Brain-Friendly Writing Routines for Neurodivergent Writers with Arianna Smith
EP255: How I Launched a Business While Eight Months Pregnant With Leslie Danford
EP294: 5 Key Questions to Empower Your Goal-Setting Journey with Melissa Mora
EP283: The Best Tactics for Beating Writer’s Block with Reva Harris
EP310: Tips to Manage Your Freelance Business with ADHD with Shelby Dennis
Thanks for Listening!
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Learn how to conduct a writing business year-end review without overwhelm, reflect on your wins, and set powerful goals for 2026.
Discover how NICU nurse Alyssa built a thriving freelance writing business while balancing work, teaching, motherhood, and growing her family.
Use the power of reflection and gratitude to align your mindset and strengthen your business plan before heading into the new year.
Learn sales and proposal negotiation strategies for freelancers with expert tips from Glenn Poulos, author of Never Sit in the Lobby.