Why Installing Desktop Apps on Your Phone Might Be Hurting Your Freelance Work-Life Balance

The first light of morning creeps in through the window, casting soft shadows on the kitchen floor. The air is crisp, and the sky is clear — a calm contrast to the news of Typhoon Ofel affecting parts of the Philippines while Pepito makes its way into our territory. I reach for my phone, and before I’ve even fully woken up, the buzz begins: Slack messages from clients, a project update on the Monday app, and reminders of two articles due via Upwork and onlinejobs.ph.

It’s the kind of busyness I once dreamed of as a freelancer — the rare opportunity of steady work from multiple clients. But as grateful as I am, there’s an unintended cost to this convenience.

The Convenience Trap

We often install desktop apps like Slack, Monday, and Google Chat on our phones, thinking it will make life easier. Staying connected, responding quickly, and managing tasks on the go seem like productivity hacks. But when your ‘office’ is in your pocket, there’s no real escape. Notifications follow you from the moment you wake up until you finally close your eyes at night, blurring the line between work and personal life.

The dogs stir, eager for breakfast. My daughter’s voice floats from the kitchen, asking if I’ve seen her school ID. It’s a typical morning filled with a mix of family life and work obligations. I used to think these apps were lifesavers, a way to get ahead. Now, they feel more like chains, tethering me to a desk that doesn’t exist. I catch myself replying to messages before I’ve even left bed or reviewing project updates during dinner.

Blurring the Lines Between Work and Home

Back when I worked in an office, the boundaries were clearer. I’d clock in, focus on tasks, and clock out, leaving work behind for the day. But as a stay-at-home dad and freelancer, those lines have disappeared. My work and home responsibilities swirl together, making it hard to find any real separation. One minute I’m writing a blog outline, the next I’m helping with homework or calming the dogs. The rhythm of my day feels fractured, like trying to listen to a song that keeps skipping.

Unfinished Tasks and Constant Interruptions

The laundry dried last Sunday, sitting untouched as the week sped by. By Thursday, I finally take a moment to fold it, enjoying the brief pause. But even this fleeting sense of calm is broken by a notification — another urgent task on the Monday app. I glance at the clock; the articles are due soon, and there’s still a lot left to do. Yet, there’s fulfillment in this chaos. Clients trust me with their projects, and I’m grateful for the steady work that keeps me busy.

The True Cost of Constant Notifications

This week has been a whirlwind. Two new clients, one from Australia and another from Missouri, have added to the workload. I also switched to a MacBook Air, which brought on a steep learning curve. It’s like trying to sprint while learning to tie your shoes. But it’s a challenge I welcome, knowing that every new task is an opportunity to grow and adapt.

If you’re a freelancer like me, it’s easy to get caught up in the flow of work. Installing apps on your phone feels like a productivity boost, but it often pulls you deeper into a never-ending workday. The constant pings make it hard to fully enjoy personal moments or take a genuine break.

Setting Boundaries for Balance

Consider this: How often do you find yourself reaching for your phone to check a message, only to realize you’ve missed something important happening right in front of you? It’s a small but significant habit that erodes the balance we seek as freelancers.

To protect your time, try deleting work apps from your phone and limit them to your laptop. Create a dedicated workspace and set specific work hours. It’s a simple step, but it can make a world of difference. While steady work is a blessing, maintaining boundaries helps ensure we can enjoy the flexibility we chose freelancing for in the first place.

Finding Joy in Flexibility

Freelancing can be isolating at times — no colleague to chat with or shared breaks to punctuate the day. But it also offers moments of unexpected joy. The flexibility to take a break and play with the dogs, help my daughter with a project, or step outside for fresh air reminds me why I chose this path, even on the busiest days.

This week, I made a small but important change: I uninstalled Slack, Monday, and Google Chat from my phone. It’s a tiny step, but it feels like a win. I want to be fully present when I’m sitting with my daughter or playing with the dogs, instead of distracted by a constant stream of notifications. The work will still be there when I return, but the moments I miss with my family won’t.

The Gift of Balance

Freelancing is a gift — it comes with storms of its own but also with the freedom to shape our days in ways that suit us. I’ve learned to find calm within, no matter what the day brings. Because in the end, the true measure of success isn’t in the number of tasks completed, but in the peace we hold onto along the way.