Community and networking activity can really help when you are a freelancer. Who do you turn to when it all gets too much? Can someone, anyone, who understands your challenges, offer a sympathetic ear and help to work out a solution? Where do clients magically appear from? Are they all lovely to work with, let alone grateful? Do you understand the contracts they ask you to sign? Have you Professional Indemnity and other insurances (do you need them anyway)? What about taxes? Do you need an accountant? Who deals with invoices (in and out) and chases money when needed? Who helps when the laptop stops working, the software needs updating, or the client imposes their own IT systems on you? Remember that training your previous employer provided – how do you stay current now? So many practical questions. Read on for inspiration and support from across the global community of freelance medical writers. Medical Writing. 2023;32(2):36–40. https://doi.org/10.56012/etqg2327