Hello Mentor S2 EP8 | Freelance Without the Burnout: Edd Zain’s Life-Changing Mental Health Tips

This episode is packed with motivation, practical tips, and inspiring stories for anyone navigating freelance life or a major career transition.

By Kimberly Chang on 2024-10-22 at 3:56 AM

Updated on 2024-10-22 at 6:58 AM

7 Foolproof Ways Freelancers in Malaysia Can Manage Mental Health and Avoid Work Burnout

Get ready for an insightful chat with Edd Zain, a true multi-hyphenate! Not only is Edd a UI/UX designer working with tech startups, but she's also a freelance coach, author, speaker, and mental health advocate. In this episode, hosted by Syasya Madu, Edd opens up about her incredible journey from web design to empowering freelancers and promoting mental well-being.

Edd shares her personal strategies for juggling her various roles, while offering invaluable tips on avoiding burnout in the fast-paced freelance world. From ensuring a steady income to setting boundaries with clients, she has mastered the art of balancing professional success with personal care. 

And it doesn’t stop there—Edd also gives us a glimpse into her experience growing her Twitter community to 20k followers, and how that network has fueled both her advocacy and career. Curious about how mental health can positively impact your career? Tune in to discover how Edd makes it all work and what she recommends for freelancers striving for career growth without sacrificing their mental well-being.

How to Manage Your Mental Health and Avoid Burnout as a Freelancer

Freelancers often wear many hats—juggling multiple projects, managing clients, and staying productive on their own terms. But without proper planning, the demands can pile up, leading to work burnout and mental health challenges. Below are seven foolproof strategies inspired by Edd Zain’s journey to help you stay productive, motivated, and mentally resilient.

1. Don't Be Afraid to Establish Clear Boundaries

One of the biggest challenges freelancers face is managing their time and setting limits. They seem to struggle with knowing when to stop working. Without clear boundaries, work can creep into your personal time, causing stress and exhaustion.

• Pro Tip: Define your working hours and communicate them clearly to clients. Once your workday ends, switch off notifications and disconnect from emails to give yourself time to recharge.

Edd stressed the importance of setting expectations. She recommends charging 50% of the project fee upfront to ensure clients respect your time and prevent last-minute requests.

2. Build a Reliable Support Network

Freelancing can be isolating, especially without a strong professional network. Having a group of supportive peers can help you stay motivated and mentally resilient during challenging periods.

Action Step: Join our community, a space where ambitious individuals connect to share experiences, learn, and grow together. Peer-to-peer networks like these offer essential support and insights to navigate freelancing challenges.

3. Identify Burnout Triggers Before It’s Too Late

 Edd shared how freelancers can become overwhelmed without realising it until it's too late. 

Burnout doesn’t happen overnight—it creeps in slowly. Recognising the warning signs can help you act before things spiral out of control.

Common Burnout Triggers:

• Working excessively long hours without rest
• Feeling detached from your work and lacking motivation
• Experiencing constant fatigue, even after resting

Pro Tip: Listen to your body. pay attention to how you feel. If you notice signs of burnout, take a step back and give yourself time to rest. Mental well-being is key to sustainable success.

4. Leverage Freelance Flexibility to Recharge

One of the biggest perks of freelancing is flexibility. Use this to your advantage by scheduling intentional breaks. Edd shared that spontaneous trips—like an unplanned getaway to Vietnam—helped her reset mentally and stay motivated.

• Pro Tip: Make time for regular breaks, even during busy periods. Whether it’s a short vacation or a walk outdoors, taking time away from work can help boost creativity and focus.

5. Align Your Work with Your Work Style

Freelancers thrive when their work aligns with their natural strengths. Self-awareness allows you to choose projects and industries that energise you, making it easier to stay motivated and productive.

Knowing your strengths will help you find freelance opportunities that match your personality, keeping burnout at bay while helping you thrive.

6. Manage Finances to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Financial stress is a significant challenge for freelancers. Irregular income can cause anxiety, making it essential to plan your finances carefully.

• Pro Tip: Diversify your income streams with multiple clients or smaller projects to ensure steady cash flow.
• Savings Strategy: Set aside a portion of your income during busy months to cover expenses during slower periods, giving yourself breathing room to take breaks when needed.

7. Adopt a Solid Routine to Stay Focused and Productive

While freelancing offers flexibility, Edd shared that having a structured routine is essential for long-term success. Without it, the demands of multiple projects can quickly become overwhelming.

• Pro Tip: Use project management tools or create daily task lists to stay on track. A structured approach can help you manage multiple roles and responsibilities efficiently.

"Even though freelancing offers freedom, having some structure keeps everything in check," Edd noted.

Conclusion: Prioritise Your Mental Health for Long-Term Success

Freelance jobs in Malaysia offer exciting opportunities, but they require intentional effort to manage mental health and avoid burnout. Edd Zain’s story reminds us that success is not just about landing projects—it’s about balancing work with personal care, setting boundaries, and building supportive connections.

By recognising burnout triggers early, aligning your work with your strengths, and managing your finances wisely, you can build a fulfilling freelance career without sacrificing your well-being.

Take the Next Step in Your Freelance Journey

Looking for freelance opportunities? Discover exciting freelance jobs in Malaysia at my.hiredly.com/jobs and take the first step toward a thriving freelance career today!

About Hello Mentor

Hello Mentor is a podcast offering candid conversations on entrepreneurship, career growth, and ambition. Each episode features inspiring individuals who share personal experiences and actionable advice.

Catch all episodes on Spotify or YouTube for more inspiration and career guidance from industry leaders!

By Kimberly Chang on 2024-10-22 at 3:56 AM