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In this powerful episode, we sit down with Matthew Knight, founder of Leapers.co, a global community supporting the mental health of the self-employed. We dig deep into the realities of freelancing—beyond the myths of freedom and flexibility—to explore the emotional toll, hidden stressors, and the urgent need for systemic support.

Matthew shares insights from six years of annual research with 700–800 freelancers, uncovering what really affects mental health in self-employment—from client ghosting to financial instability. He offers a compelling case for why clients must play a role in improving freelancers’ wellbeing—and how failing to do so leads to real business consequences.

Whether you’re a freelancer, thinking of becoming one, or work with independent professionals, this episode will give you eye-opening perspectives and practical steps for creating a healthier, more sustainable freelance experience.

ABC Tips to Help with Your Mental Health as a Freelancer

What We Cover:

• The emotional and structural challenges freelancers face
• Why 70% of freelancers report mental health impacts from work
• How Leapers gathers data from hundreds of freelancers each year
• What clients must do to support freelancers—and why it matters
• Why self-employed people fall off their own to-do lists
• The rise of “forced freelancing” and who’s most affected
• How AI and job instability may shift more people into freelance work
• Building your own support system when one isn’t provided for you
• The ABCs of freelancer wellbeing: Awareness, Boundaries, Community

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