Freelancing sounds like freedom. No boss. No office politics. Work from anywhere.
But behind the Instagram dream, there’s a quiet danger that most freelancers in Cameroon rarely talk about; mental health struggles.
I learned this the hard way while working as a freelance web designer.
I want to share my story, the mistakes I made, and how I’m rebuilding a healthy work life.
If you’re freelancing in Cameroon; whether as a web designer, web developer, content creator, or social media manager..
This might save you years of frustration.
Set clear work hours and stick to them
Avoid weekend work unless absolutely necessary
Create a dedicated workspace separate from personal life
Take regular breaks to step away from screens
Exercise daily, even if it’s just walking or stretching
Say no to clients or projects that don’t fit your workflow
Set clear boundaries with clients and communicate availability
Use contracts and request deposits to reduce financial stress
Network with other freelancers to reduce isolation
Unplug from notifications and emails during time off
When COVID-19 hit, I was already used to working alone at home, but lockdown made things worse.
Clients became anxious, deadlines got tighter, and I felt I had to overwork to keep income stable.
Here’s what happened:
I worked endless hours. Evenings, weekends, midnight — trying to meet client demands.
I felt guilty if I wasn’t “online.” I’d open my laptop at 8 a.m. and keep staring at the screen even when I wasn’t productive.
Burnout hit me hard. Zero motivation. Dread every Monday. Feeling stuck.
For freelancers in Cameroon, the pressure is unique.
Internet can be unreliable.
Some clients delay payments.
Family may assume “you’re always free” since you’re home.
All of this builds silent stress.
My burnout had two main triggers:
Taking too much work. Saying yes to every project because I feared losing income.
Demanding clients. Some wanted impossible timelines or expected 24/7 availability.
If you’ve felt exhausted, unmotivated, or anxious about work, that’s not laziness.
That’s burnout warning you.
Here’s what I changed that made a real difference:
I close my laptop Friday night and don’t touch it until Monday.
If something goes wrong, it can usually wait or the client’s hosting provider can help.
I even uninstalled Gmail from my phone to stop constant notifications.
I now explain my availability from the start.
For urgent support, clients know where else to reach out (like their host).
Clear expectations mean less panic.
Even if you live in a small apartment in Douala or Buea, find a corner for work only.
That separation helps your brain switch off after work.
Walking every day (even just 30 minutes around the neighborhood) clears my head.
No phone, no screens; just quiet. It’s free therapy.
I chose projects that matched my skills and workflow.
For me, that meant WordPress and pure code sites.
Saying no to “bad-fit” jobs gave me peace and better focus.
ALSO READ: My Year as a Web Developer in Cameroon
If you’re working solo, especially in tech or creative fields, try this:
Have clear work hours — even if they’re flexible, stick to them.
Get moving daily — no gym needed, just walk.
Network with other freelancers — WhatsApp groups, meetups, or online communities can help you feel less alone.
Be strict about payments — use contracts, request deposits. Financial stress worsens mental strain.
Unplug sometimes — no emails, no notifications on weekends.
Freelancing is growing fast here; web design, web development, social media management, content writing, tech support.
But mental health is still ignored.
Many young freelancers chase clients and income while quietly burning out.
If we want to build sustainable businesses, mental health isn’t optional — it’s survival.
I wish someone had told me this when I started freelancing.
Hustle culture sounds attractive, but it’s not sustainable.
You can work hard and still protect your peace.
If you’re in Cameroon and freelancing, don’t wait for burnout to wake you up.
Build boundaries, create space to rest, and focus on work you enjoy.
Your mental health will make or break your career.
I’m a WordPress web designer and developer in Cameroon, working remotely with clients locally and internationally. If you need a website that actually works for your business, or even just a question, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help.