Weekly digest #25 of 2025

• This is What 80 Looks Like, by Viv Chen — Meet Raymond Holbert, an 80-year-old artist and fashion icon who has documented his life daily for 57 years—proving that consistent journaling can reveal authentic style, a creative voice, and a legacy far richer than outward appearances alone.
• Your Dream Writing Life Is Possible — But It’ll Cost You These 3 Things, by Amy Suto — What will freelancing cost you? You don’t need to quit your job right away or have six months of client work lined up. But as Amy Suto writes, “What you do need is the willingness to trade in some comfortable habits for the kind of growth that actually leads to creative freedom.”
• How to Ask for Referrals & Get Repeat Business, by Austin L. Church — Consistent follow-ups, clear referral requests, and simple tools like CRMs can turn past clients into ongoing income. This guide by Austion breaks down how to ask for more business—without sounding awkward—and build growth that lasts.
• Quarterly Check-In: Are You Charging Enough? by Sara Gibson — Your rates should grow with you. This quarterly check-in from Freelancing Females could help you assess your pricing, spot signs it’s time to raise rates, and confidently update your structure.
• Study: Self-employment Could be Good for Your Heart, by Katherine Steiner-Dicks — Is freelancing making people healthier or are healthier people drawn to freelancing? A US study of 20,000+ adults found that self-employed women have significantly lower cardiovascular disease risks than traditionally employed women. While causality isn't certain, the findings suggest flexible work may offer real health benefits.
• Designing The Perfect Home Office as a Freelancer, by Jack Nolan — Your home office doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should support your focus. If your back hurts, cables are a mess, or your desk is facing a blank wall, it might be time for a quick upgrade. Here’s a simple checklist to help you rethink your space.

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