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When work slows down, it's hard to tell if it's a rough patch, an economic downturn, or a sign that freelancing isn't sustainable for you. The uncertainty creates an emotional spiral: doom scrolling job boards, questioning your decisions, wondering if you should just get a job instead.​

In this episode, host Treasa Edmond and business coach Ed Deason tackle both sides of this question: the practical reality of economic downturns and the emotional toll of freelancing during uncertain times. Ed breaks down the difference between macro-level economic pressures (which are real) and micro-level freelance businesses (where you only need five clients, not a million). Treasa addresses the emotional side directly, looking at why self-care isn't optional when you're struggling and why giving yourself permission to feel overwhelmed is sometimes enough to move forward. They also discuss when freelancing might not be the right fit, and why that's okay.​

WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT

• The macro vs. micro reality: Yes, downturns are harder, but you only need a handful of clients​
• Why doom scrolling job boards is never the answer (and what to do instead)​
• The self-care question: How to prioritize your emotional health so you can show up for your business​
• When freelancing might not be sustainable, and why that's a valid realization​
• The 24-hour rule: Setting time limits on emotional spirals so they don't consume your business​
• "Worry time": a strategy for parking anxious thoughts and breaking the cycle​

About Ed Deason

Ed Deason is a business coach specializing in working with founders and entrepreneurs ready to scale, pivot, and build their ideal businesses. With over 15 years' experience and an MBA, Ed's coaching has helped clients gain clarity, confidence, and achieve real results.​

Connect with Ed:

• Deason Coaching
• LinkedIn

About Treasa Edmond

Treasa Edmond is a content strategist, business coach, and podcast host who helps freelancers and consultants transition to confident business leaders. She's been referral-based for five years, rarely needing to prospect for new clients, and teaches practical frameworks for pricing strategy, client boundaries, and business systems through her coaching programs and the Boss Responses podcast. Her goal is to help you build the business you need so you can live the life you want.
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Connect with Treasa:

• Boss Responses Newsletter - Get frameworks, templates, and strategic guidance delivered weekly
• Coaching Programs - Work with Treasa 1-on-1 or join a mastermind
• LinkedIn - Connect and follow for daily insights

Related Episode:
Listen to Treasa and Ed's episode on building a referral system to fill your schedule: How to Ask for Referrals Without Feeling Awkward

Support the show

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to listen to Boss Responses. This podcast is a passion project that comes from years of helping freelancers shape a business that supports the lifestyle they want.

Have a question you'd like answered? Send it to [email protected]

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