How Can We Deal with the Fear of Change in Our Creative Freelance Business?

Change is inevitable—but in a creative freelance business, it can feel especially intimidating. You’ve worked hard to build a system that works for you. You’ve invested time, energy, and money into your current setup. So what happens when that setup no longer meets your needs, or when a client asks for something outside your comfort zone?

Today, I want to talk about how we can face those moments of change with a bit more calm—and maybe even a little excitement.

Why change feels scary—even when we know it’s good for us

As I said in a recent episode of Freelance Fitness :

“Sometimes we’re a little too comfortable in our familiar skill sets. We all have our comfort zone, our happy place. But the world is changing and evolving around us.”

Whether it’s learning a new skill, upgrading software, or replacing worn-out equipment, we often hesitate. It’s not just fear of the unknown—it’s fear of wasting precious time or money, or worse, breaking something that already works.

I’ll be the first to admit: I’ve sat on software upgrades far longer than I should. Recently, I hesitated to upgrade my Apollo account—even though I knew it could make my client outreach more efficient. Why? Because I dreaded the hours it would take to adapt to the new system, the learning curve, and the recurring cost. Same with hiring a new coach—I wanted to grow, but the time and expense of integrating that new perspective felt overwhelming. It’s not that I didn’t want to improve—I just didn’t want to disrupt what I had finally gotten to work.

Sound familiar?

So how do we deal with it?

Let’s look at three common areas of change in a freelance business, and how to manage each with less stress:

1. Equipment upgrades

If you’re like me, you don’t upgrade until you absolutely have to. But as I said on the podcast:

“It’s not IF, it’s WHEN you’re going to need to do this. So if it’s a new computer or a new mic, it’s better to plan for downtime now than be forced into it later.”

The key is to keep your old gear as a backup while you integrate the new. Test it during quiet periods. And if budget is a concern? Marketplace deals are your friend. Buying secondhand doesn’t make you less professional—mastering your tools matters more than their price tag.

2. Software changes

This is the one that slows me down the most. Even when I know a new tool will improve my workflow, the fear of the learning curve stops me cold.

“The best software in the world is only as good as my ability to use it,” I said—and I stand by that.

Here’s what helps:

• Try before you buy (hello, free trials)
• Watch quick tutorials
• Practice before you migrate everything
• Create a cheat sheet for your most-used functions

And most importantly: allow yourself time to feel clunky at first. It’s part of the process.

3. Skill development

We all get fired up after a great workshop or coaching session—but applying those new skills? That’s the hard part.

“Once I get back home and plunge back into the fray, my conference goodie bag lies lonely and abandoned under my desk. And my cat.”

Same. So here’s what I do now:

• Choose carefully—don’t sign up for every shiny new training
• Ask how this skill fits into your immediate business plans
• Build in generous time for practice

One weekend workshop won’t make you an expert—but it can plant the seed for something powerful.

Final Thoughts: It’s hard. But worth it.

Even when we know that change will benefit us, it’s easy to stay stuck in place. But a little planning goes a long way. Whether it’s new tech, tools, or training, it helps to remember: you don’t need to be perfect at something right away.

You just need to start.

If you’re curious to hear more thoughts like this—plus some light movement while you’re at it—check out the full episode of Freelance Fitness. And if you’d like to connect about this topic or find out more about how I help creative clients through voiceover work, get in touch with me here.

Your freelance business deserves to grow—and you can handle the changes that come with that growth. One thoughtful step at a time.