Women in Digital Media: Building a Freelance Life That Works for Me

In short: Building a sustainable freelance life in digital media isn’t about hustling harder; it’s about setting firm boundaries, valuing your multidisciplinary skills, and putting your health before the “9-5” grind.

How can women thrive in the digital media industry?

I’ve been in digital media since the early days of the internet–back when websites were clunky, Flash was ubiquitous, and dial-up was the standard. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve worked across website development, graphic design, and marketing. I’ve sat in many chairs, from technical teams to advertising. It made me a better developer and a more empathetic problem-solver.

But like many women in digital media, I’ve also faced challenges that pushed me off the ‘traditional’ path. Living with endometriosis meant I couldn’t keep up with a rigid 9–5. Eventually, I had no choice but to go freelance.

1. Owning your multidisciplinary skills

At first, people tried to “box me in”—assuming I was just a designer or a copywriter. I refused to let that happen. My versatility is a strength, not a weakness. Whether I’m explaining complex digital terms or building a brand from scratch, owning my full suite of skills is how I provide value.

2. Standing your ground against “Hustle Culture”

I knew I didn’t want to fight for scraps on sites like Fiverr. I charge a living wage because I deliver professional results and value my health. I stopped chasing the wrong clients and started building a brand using a Human-First Search Strategy to attract people who actually understand what I do. There were no quick wins—just steady, intentional growth.

3. My Rules: Health First, Always

I’ve designed my freelance life to support my health. My boundaries are non-negotiable:

• I don’t work weekends or evenings.
• I won’t answer emails at 10 pm.
• I prioritise projects that align with my Human-First values.

To my surprise, the right clients respect that. They don’t micromanage; they trust me.

4. What I’ve learned as a woman in digital media

This journey taught me that freelancing isn’t about doing more for less. It’s about knowing your worth and protecting your time. There’s power in saying no and showing up as you are. Don’t let anyone shrink you down to a job title. Build a brand that aligns with your lifestyle and skill set.