Working from home sounds like the dream, doesn’t it? Freedom, flexibility, no commute, and coffee whenever you want. But here’s the truth about working from home that no one likes to talk about: sometimes it’s hard. Sometimes it’s lonely. And sometimes it feels like you’re putting in everything you’ve got and still not getting anywhere.
If that’s you right now, you’re not failing. You’re just in the messy middle, and you’re not alone.
There have been times when my husband has had to talk me off the cliff so to speak. I’ve sat at my desk in tears, scrolling through job sites, ready to give up and go back to a “real” job. It’s a confronting feeling when your passion project, small business or side hustle isn’t bringing in the money you hoped for. But over time, I’ve learned that this stage is part of the process. It’s not a sign to quit—it’s a sign to keep building.
Keep reading! I promise its a story of hope through the tears!
The Truth About Working From Home (It’s Not Always Easy)
You can read all the success stories, buy the courses, and follow every strategy, but the truth is that working from home requires a different kind of resilience. When you don’t have a boss checking in or coworkers to motivate you, it’s all on you. That can feel empowering one day and completely overwhelming the next.
There are days when you feel unstoppable, ticking off your to-do list like a pro. And then there are days when you can’t get started, when your brain fogs up, and the self-doubt creeps in. It’s that quiet voice that whispers, Maybe this isn’t going to work out.
And when you’re not seeing money come in yet, it’s even harder. You start comparing your progress to others, scrolling through success posts that make you wonder if you’re just wasting your time. But the truth is, everyone who’s made it through this stage has felt exactly the same way.
The real growth happens when you choose to keep going even when you don’t see results yet.
Look How Far You’ve Come Already
When you’re in the thick of it, it’s easy to forget how far you’ve come. You’re so focused on where you want to be that you don’t notice the steps you’ve already taken.
Here’s something that helped me. Grab a notebook or journal, and write down what your life looked like when you started this journey. Where were you? What were you wishing for? What didn’t you know then that you’ve now mastered? Even the smallest things—your first client, your first sale, the time you fixed something on your website yourself—those all count.
One of my favorite ideas is creating a success jar. Every time something good happens, no matter how small, write it on a piece of paper and put it in the jar. On your hard days, when you’re questioning everything, pull one out. It’s a simple reminder of how far you’ve come and how much you’ve learned along the way.
There’s a quote I read once that said something along the lines of, “Nobody writes books about the view from Mount Everest. The books are about the climb.” And as much as I get it, sometimes I just want the book about the view!!! I’m tired of the climb!! Hahaha!! But I know that’s what makes the story—the struggle, the lessons, the grit. That’s what builds you into the kind of person who can stand at the top and really appreciate the view when you finally get there.
And through it all, remember to laugh. Don’t take every setback too seriously. Talk to someone who gets it, or write it out. And honestly, if you don’t have anyone nearby who understands, talk to Chat GPT about it. It’s the modern version of venting to a friend who actually listens. Plus if you don’t like the answer you can close the app hahahah! Seriously though, talk that shit out! Getting it out and through writing or talking can really help. Remember though not to dump on people so get a notebook of chat it out with Chatty G!! The benefits of journaling are wild! So worth doing!
The Practical Side: Getting Focused and Building Momentum
When everything feels heavy, the best thing you can do is simplify. Get rid of the noise. Most of us, especially when we’re stressed, start creating “busy work.” We do everything except the thing that will move us forward.
If you’re feeling stuck, try this: sweep everything off your mental table. All the tabs, all the half-finished ideas, all the should-dos. Then look at what’s left—the real, necessary work. Usually, it’s only a few things: serve your clients, create something that brings value, and keep learning. That’s it.
Set up systems that support those priorities. Create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for repetitive tasks (or even set up automations for them!). Write down your workflows, organize your client process, and simplify your setup. It might feel slow at first, but these systems become the structure that holds your business steady when motivation dips.
And don’t shy away from your finances. I know that part can feel confronting, especially when income is inconsistent. But the more you face it, the more empowered you become. Start by doing a simple monthly cash flow—list your income, your expenses, and what’s left. Once that feels easier, move to a quarterly review. Over time, you’ll start to see progress, and you’ll feel more in control.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about paying attention.
How to Keep Going When You Feel Like Giving Up
On the days when you’re ready to walk away, remind yourself that you’ve made it through hard things before. Working from home is a marathon, not a sprint. You do need to get real with your self though and face what you have been resisting. This is not easy and takes time, be gentle but don’t let yourself off the hook!
Find a community of people who get it. Whether it’s a Facebook group, a course community, or a few online friends, being around others who understand the journey makes a world of difference. There’s something comforting about hearing “me too” from someone else in the same boat.
When everything feels too much, pause. Step away for a few hours, or even a day. Rest isn’t quitting—it’s resetting. Then come back and start small. Do one meaningful task that gets you moving again. Progress doesn’t have to be big to count.
And if you ever catch yourself wondering if it’s worth it, remember this: every person you admire once stood exactly where you are right now. They had their own tears, doubts, and near-quit moments. The difference is, they kept going.
So keep showing up. Keep learning. Keep trusting that your consistency will compound into something real.
The Truth About Working From Home
The truth about working from home is that it’s a journey filled with both freedom and frustration. It tests your patience, your belief in yourself, and your willingness to keep going when things aren’t easy.
But it’s also one of the most rewarding paths you can take. You’re building something that’s yours, something that will grow with you. Every system you set up, every small win, every dollar earned—it’s all part of the climb. I look back now and I am soooo grateful that I have pushed through time and time again! It has been so worth it!
So when you hit another hard day, look at how far you’ve come already. Open your success jar. Reread your journal. Take a breath, and remind yourself that you’re doing something most people never have the courage to start.
You’ve got this. Keep going.
Interested in learning how you can work better with the flow of your cycle? READ MORE
Written by Ali Stringer — helping you earn, learn, and thrive from wherever you are.
