Monday, 29 September 2025

Blogger Burnout! - #ModayBlogs

Debdatta Dasgupta September 29, 2025 0 Comments

There was a time I used to open my blog with excitement. It was like stepping into a cozy little room filled with my books, my thoughts, favorite words, and the quiet thrill of expression. Then one day, it just felt heavy. I’d stare at the blinking cursor, feeling like a fraud. Every idea I had felt boring and every sentence sounded hollow. I’d open my dashboard, scroll a bit, sigh, and shut it again. Sometimes, I didn’t even bother opening it for weeks at a time.

It didn’t happen all at once. That’s the tricky part about burnout. It’s rarely loud or dramatic. It arrives quietly, in the form of “Maybe I’ll write tomorrow,” or “I don’t know if this post even matters.” It wraps itself in the language of guilt: “You haven’t posted in weeks.” “You’re letting your readers down.” “Everyone else is so consistent. What’s your excuse?” And before you know it, something that once brought you joy begins to feel like a chore that you are miserably failing at.

For me, blogging was never just a hobby. Initially, it was a form of self-expression, and finding a community that loved reading as much as I do. This blog specifically was how I made sense of the world while going through a huge transition in my life. I made sense of life and inevitable changes in life through reviews of K-dramas that made me cry at 2 a.m., personal essays on grief and healing, or lyrical reflections inspired by my favourite artists, re-learning tarot cards and re-igniting my love for long walks. But somewhere along the way, I got tired. Not just physically tired; soul tired. The kind of tired that sleep doesn’t fix. The kind of tired that creativity cannot flow through.

At first, I blamed myself. Maybe I was too busy with work. Maybe I wasn’t trying hard enough. Maybe I was being lazy. Maybe I had nothing more to say. But the truth was much simpler, and sadder: I was burned out.

The weirdest part? No one talks about blogger burnout as a real thing. We talk about content creators, influencers, journalists facing burnout all the time. But bloggers often get overlooked. And yet, we’re the ones pouring out the softest, rawest and scariest parts of ourselves into our words. Of course it gets heavy sometimes. If you’re a blogger, or someone who creates anything from the heart, who’s ever felt this way - I want you to know you’re not alone. Burnout is real. It doesn’t make you less of a writer, or less worthy of being read. And it’s not the end.

This post is not a listicle of productivity hacks. It’s not a 10-step formula to “crush your content goals.” It’s simply a story of how I lost my spark and slowly, kindly, found my way back to it. If you’re somewhere on that path too, maybe this can be a breadcrumb you follow home.

Watch out for those signs and take them seriously. There were signs I ignored at first. Small, ordinary signs that now seem almost poetic in hindsight. I stopped jotting down ideas in my notes app. My daily writing rituals - a cup of tea, a soft playlist, a few moments of stillness, faded into background noise. I didn’t feel excited to share my thoughts. I didn’t even feel connected to my voice. And that scared me.

Emotionally, I felt hollow. Like I was watching myself go through the motions, detached from any real sense of purpose. Creatively, I felt like a well run dry. No matter how many prompts or Pinterest boards I looked at, nothing felt true. And physically, it started showing up as mental fog, eye strain, and an odd heaviness in my chest every time I even thought about logging into my site. What made it worse was comparison. I’d see other bloggers pushing out content, growing their platforms and I’d spiral. I am not up-to-date on instagram algorthm or the reel trends and I felt like I was falling behind. I wasn’t just tired, I was inadequate. And that shame loop can be brutal. We rarely talk about how painful it is to lose something that once made us feel like ourselves. But that’s what burnout can do. It doesn’t just rob you of your energy. It robs you of your identity.

So, if you’re here... stuck, stalled, or silent... wondering why something you once loved now feels like a burden… please know this: It’s not your fault. You didn’t fail. You’re just burned out. And you deserve rest, not judgment.

The first step to healing wasn’t forcing myself to write again. It was admitting I couldn’t. And in that quiet surrender, the healing began. One of the hardest things I had to learn, and I say this as someone who prides herself on being productive even when I’m running on emotional fumes, was that I am allowed to stop.

Not pivot. Not rebrand. Not hustle in a “new direction.” Just… pause.

At first, I fought it. I kept opening my blog dashboard like it was a moral obligation. I’d click on old drafts with ideas, stare at them blankly, then close the tab with a sense of failure. I was stuck in a loop: unable to create, but unable to rest either, because resting felt like giving up. The truth is, we live in a culture that makes us feel guilty for slowing down, especially when what we’re doing is rooted in passion. “If you love it, you’ll keep doing it,” they say. But love can’t fix exhaustion. Even passion needs room to breathe. Eventually, I realized I couldn’t keep pretending I was “taking a break” while mentally flogging myself for not bouncing back faster. So I gave myself permission to stop trying. Not forever. Just for now. No content goals. No deadlines. No pressure to justify the silence.

Instead of opening my laptop every morning with dread, I shut it. I sat on my balcony with a book instead. I took long walks without thinking about how to turn them into essays. I started writing in my private journal again: not for an audience, not for applause, just to feel my voice again in a space that didn’t demand structure or polish.

I also unsubscribed from the noise. I muted productivity influencers, avoided “How to get your blogging mojo back” posts, and stopped checking my analytics like they were some kind of heart monitor for my creativity. Because here’s what I’ve learned: Sometimes, the best way to find your way back to your passion is to stop demanding it show up on a schedule.

Pausing didn’t magically fix everything. But it gave me space. And in that space, something shifted. The fog didn’t lift overnight, but it started to thin. I noticed little flickers of inspiration again. It was not the pressure-filled, deadline-driven sparks, but they were quiet ideas that made me smile.

So, if you’re on the edge of burnout or already deep in it, let me say this clearly: You are allowed to pause. You are allowed to do nothing. You are allowed to be a person first, a creator second. And anyone, including your own inner critic, who says otherwise should probably take a long nap themselves.

Once I had given myself permission to stop, something surprising happened: I started missing my voice. Not out of guilt or pressure, but out of gentle curiosity. There was no dramatic “comeback moment,” just a quiet urge to create again. But this time, I approached it differently. No big revamps. No grand “I’m back!” announcements. Just small, meaningful changes that helped me ease back into writing without burning myself all over again.

Here are the shifts that helped me find my way:

1. I reconnected with why I started this blog in the first place

I went back and read some of my oldest blog posts. Not to critique or cringe, but to remember. What was I trying to say? Who was I when I wrote this? Somewhere in those imperfect, raw paragraphs, I found the spark again — not in how well I’d written, but in how much heart I’d poured into those pieces.
I asked myself: What did blogging used to feel like before I got too focused on doing it “right”?

2. I let the content priority change

For a while, long-form essays felt too heavy. So I gave myself permission to experiment:
From trying to write 'value' posts and 'SEO' driven content I started blogging about what I cared. If have been following this blog from the beginning - I started writing about Kdrama and Music only recently. Even though I loved them, I wasn't sure if they would have any value to offer.

3. I Wrote Without the Pressure to Publish

This was key. I opened a separate, private document and told myself, no one will ever see this. Suddenly, the words flowed again. I wasn’t performing! I was processing.
Sometimes we need a space where we can be messy and uncensored, so the polished voice can return on its own.

4. I Became a reader again

I stopped trying to “research” other blogs and just read them for joy. I read fiction. I reread old favorites. I started listening to more audiobooks. I fell back in love with language; not as a tool to produce, but as a way to feel.
That love filtered quietly back into my own writing, like a melody I hadn’t heard in a while but still remembered the words to.

5. I made mini rituals around writing

I stopped treating blogging like a chore on my to-do list and started treating it like a ritual:
• Lighting a candle
• Pulling a tarot card for creative energy
• Playing one soft song on loop
These tiny acts helped me transition into writing mode with a sense of ease and reverence, not obligation.

6. I stopped pressuring myself

Everyone will tell you that consistency is the key and ideally one should post a certain number of posts every week/month. I stopped doing that to myself. I show up when I feel like rather than on a fixed day or date.

No single change “fixed” the burnout. But together, they gently co-created a space where writing didn’t feel like something I had to fight. It felt like something I could trust again. Coming back from burnout isn’t about going back to who you were. It is about building something more sustainable from the ashes of what once overwhelmed you. When I finally began writing again - truly writing, not just forcing words out, I realized that I didn’t want to go back to the pace or pressure I had set for myself before. I didn’t want to be a content machine. I wanted to be a person who created from a place of honesty, not obligation.

So here’s what I do differently now:

I don’t chase consistency. Yes, consistency is important. But connection — with myself, with my writing, with my readers — is sacred. If I can’t show up with my full heart, I’d rather wait until I can.

I plan for breaks before I burn out. Now, I build in rest periods. I treat them as necessary pauses, not signs of failure. I no longer wait until I’ve hit the wall. I slow down before I crash into it.

I embrace imperfection. Some posts are poetic, others are plain. Some are long essays, others are lists or rambles. And that’s okay. My blog is not a portfolio — it’s a living, breathing space. It grows and shifts just like I do.

I stay close to my “why.” Every now and then, I ask myself: Why am I writing this? Who am I writing for? What would I say if no one ever read it but me? That check-in helps me write from a place of truth, rather than perform for algorithms or imaginary critics.

I seek help. Whether it is ChatGPT to help me polish my ideas or certain sentences; or ask my co-blogger to pick up the slack from time to time. I am human and it is okay to ask for help.

I let myself write about what makes me feel alive. I do not care whether that’s a K-drama review that no one asked for, a tarot post that no one cares about, or a stream-of-consciousness post about sunsets and solitude. If it lights me up, it’s worth writing.

Burnout taught me that I am not a machine. I am a person with seasons, rhythms, and limits. I no longer romanticize hustle. I romanticize presence, purpose, and peace. And honestly? My life is better for it.

Saturday, 23 August 2025

13 Taylor Swift Songs That Are NOT About Break-Ups

Pratyusha Sen August 23, 2025 0 Comments

Taylor Swift’s NEW album is here, you folks!

THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL!

I mean, if you haven’t watched the 2-hour podcast episode yet, please find some time and watch it. The world embraced the sparkly orange, and only TS had the guts to do it when people in her country are already suffering under an orange power.

By the way, you probably know that Taylor Swift is often “accused” of writing songs about breakups. Yes, it feels like accusations the way the media portrays her music. The intent is always to demean her work because she mostly writes about love and breakups. Despite love being one of the most talked-about emotions, despite every other musician singing or writing about the same thing, it suddenly becomes unacceptable or too frivolous when it’s Taylor Swift?

Make that make sense, folks!

But hey, did you know TS wrote about other things as well?

If not, keep scrolling. We’re here to talk about thirteen (yes, 13) songs by Taylor Swift that are NOT about falling in love or breakups.

1. 1. Marjorie (Album: evermore)
Marjorie is the name of Taylor’s grandmother. She lost her when she was really young. She lost her when she was not in the same town. In an interview clip, Taylor mentions that she regrets not being around her when it happened. She regrets not knowing her and all of those emotions are poured into this song. It’s a deeply emotional song about her grandmother and how she still feels her and how she would’ve loved to spend more time with her and get to know her. Somehow, she even managed to find her grandmother’s opera vocals and put them in this song and that segment never fails to give me goosebumps.

My favourite lines: “Never be so kind that you forget to be clever, never be so clever that you forget to be kind.”

2. 2. this is me trying (Album: folklore)
In her Long Pond Studio Sessions, Taylor Swift talks to Jack Antonoff (they write songs together) about this song. They talk about how people with addiction and mental health illnesses are always in an active fight in their daily lives. The song depicts how the act of trying is almost a battle. Moreover, the song also talks about how someone who feels like they’ve lost it in life despite having so much potential in school years or earlier years. This song breaks my heart and is one of my most favourite songs of all time by TS.

My favourite lines: “They told me all of my cages were mental
So I got wasted like all my potential
And my words shoot to kill when I'm mad
I have a lot of regrets about that…”

3. 3. I Hate it Here (Album: The Tortured Poets Department)
If you have ever felt that you don’t really belong to this world and that you almost always want to escape into daydreams or in a world of imagination (like binge-reading or watching something), this song is the one for you. TS writes about being trapped in a body or a world where they cannot be what they really are and thus, need to escape to a different world. This is a song that will appeal to the introverts and hypersensitive people who are probably the more adversely affected lot due to the harshness of this world.

My favourite lines: “I'm lonely but I'm good
I'm bitter but I swear I'm fine
I'll save all my romanticism for my inner life
and I'll get lost on purpose
This place made me feel worthless...”

4. 4. Mean (Album: Speak Now)
One thing that Taylor Swift does best is turn her experiences into these superb songs that you can even dance to. In a few interview, she explains that she wrote this song ‘Mean’ about the critics who wrote about her albums by not giving any constructive criticism but just being mean. She was thinking about this powerless feeling of being at the receiving end of such mean comments from people no matter how hard she works. And then the song also gives an upbeat melody and lyrics that can fill you with hope about how all these mean comments will not affect her one day when she’s made it big.

My favourite lines: “Someday... I'll be living in a big old city
and all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
and all you're ever gonna be is mean.”

5. 5. 22 (Album: Red)
This song is so full of young energy. Although the title of the song very specifically is about the age “22”, what I feel from watching the music video is that TS wrote and sang how it feels to be in her early to mid-twenties, having a lot of fun and just enjoying life when you start to enter this new phase of life when you’re free from studies and have started earning. For some of us, this might even be the late twenties. Also, she’s surrounded by her female friends in this music video and even the lyrics is about how they’re taking a break from everything and just feeling young. In an interview, she mentions that she wanted to write how she was feeling while spending her summer with her friends.

My favourite lines: “We're happy, free, confused and lonely at the same time,
It's miserable and magical.”

6. 6. You Need to Calm Down (Album: Lover)
Here’s something for all the haters. Taylor Swift gets a lot of negative attention on the internet despite having a huge following of Swifties who are hardcore protectors of her. Although, TS have stayed away from engaging with politics or mixing it with her music for a long time… this is probably one of the times we see her touching upon issues she feels strongly about. Apart from being a response to internet trolls and haters, this song hints at her support for the queer community and she also talks about how female celebrities keep getting compared to each other despite each of them having a massive superpower themselves.

My favourite lines: “And we see you over there on the internet
Comparing all the girls who are killing it
But we figured you out
We all know now, we all got crowns
You need to calm down…”

7. 7. Only the Young (from the documentary Miss Americana)
This song, played in the credits of the documentary Miss Americana, is like an anthem. In this documentary, and various other interviews succeeding it, TS expressed how young people get affected the most with all the terrible issues in their country like gun violence, stalking, healthcare, climate change, etc. So, this song was pretty much Taylor openly expressing her political beliefs and also revealing her support against the then President of US, Donald Trump.
My favourite lines: “They aren’t gonna help us
Too busy helping themselves
They aren’t gonna change this
We gotta do it ourselves...”

8. 8. The Man (Album: Lover)
It’s not a new thing that Taylor often gets a lot of headlines for reasons her male contemporaries are left out of the discussions. Drawing from her personal experience as a businesswoman and from the collective experience of being a woman, she wrote this song to represent how the society views men and women in a vastly different lens. Another political number, Taylor Swift smashes the patriarchy with her lyrics in this song and hey, don’t miss this music video (and of course, the BTS of making this video) on her YouTube channel.

My favourite lines: “I'm so sick of running as fast as I can
Wondering if I'd get there quicker if I was a man.”

9. 9. mad woman (Album: folklore)
Now that we’ve talked about how women and men are treated differently just because of the gender, let’s talk about this freakishly beautiful song that is all about how women have been labelled as “mad” left, right, and centre for ridiculous reasons. One of my most favourite songs, this carries the rage of all the women who have been called either angry or insane. Just go and tell me, if it doesn’t chill your bones.

My favourite lines: “And there's nothin' like a mad woman
What a shame she went mad
No one likes a mad woman
You made her like that
And you'll poke that bear 'til her claws come out
And you find something to wrap your noose around
And there's nothin' like a mad woman…”

10. Long Live (Album: Speak Now)
This fantastic song is from one of her earlier albums and the whole meaning of it has evolved ever since she first started performing it. As per Taylor, this song is dedicated to her band and the fans who have been there with her for years, standing by her side, as they scaled the wobbly heights of the music industry. Full of gratitude, this song is one of the best live performances that addresses directly to all the struggles of an artist but at the same time, being grateful for everything she has achieved. While she performs this song during the Eras Tour, it sort of also hinted at how she keeps manifesting the stardom she’s so in fond of.

My favourite lines: “Will you take a moment?
Promise me this
That you'll stand by me forever
But if, God forbid, fate should step in
And force us into a goodbye
If you have children someday
When they point to the pictures
Please tell them my name
Tell them how the crowds went wild
Tell them how I hope they shine...”

11. Anti-Hero (Album: Midnights)
Ever had a bout of self-loathing? Well, this song is going to become your shadow then. Taylor explains in an Instagram post how we all have things we hate about ourselves. And this one particularly caters to that extremely unsettling and yet comfortable feeling most of us might have experienced.
My favourite lines: “It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me
At tea time, everybody agrees
I'll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror
It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero.”

12. I Did Something Bad (Album: reputation)
The entire album of reputation has a huge lore behind it. In short, Taylor Swift received a lot of hate from the media in the years before this album for a lot of reasons. She disappeared from everywhere for a year. Came back with this banger of an album where each and every song is fueled by rage, frustration, and it shows how Taylor embraces whatever is thrown at her and turns it into the best possible songs. I Did Something Bad, if lyrics are decoded, refers to events in her life that aren’t so pleasant and where she’s painted as a villain for standing up for herself. Moreover, it is also speculated that quite a few songs on this album have references to the popular show on HBO, “A Game of Thrones”. This song is apparently about the Stark sisters, Sansa and Arya, plotting the death of Littlefinger. Oops, sorry about the spoiler if you haven’t watched the show yet.

My favourite lines: “This is how the world works
You gotta leave before you get left…”

13. Mastermind (Album: Midnights)
You know what’s the best thing about Taylor Swift? If you listen to a song enough number of times and really listen to the lyrics and know the entire lore, you’ll probably end up finding references to love and breakups in most of her songs. And yet, the song might be about something completely different. Like, this one – Mastermind. It might seem like she’s talking about a guy but this song is more about how she’s demeaned on the internet for being a strategist… a calculative planner who loves doing all of it so much. In an interview, she also ends up saying that she was inspired for this song by a movie she was watching. I don’t remember which movie she was referring to. But even if you look at how she planned her Eras Tour and all of her Easter Eggs for her fans, she lives up to this image of being a Mastermind and how!

My favourite lines: “No one wanted to play with me as a little kid
So I've been scheming like a criminal ever since
To make them love me and make it seem effortless
This is the first time I've felt the need to confess…”

So, there you go! And be assured that there are more songs by Taylor which are not about love or breakups. But hey, this list had to have 13. *wink wink*

Tell me now, which is your favourite Taylor Swift song that has nothing to do with a love story or a break-up?

Thursday, 24 July 2025

The Everyday Witch Tarot #Review #TarotThursday

Debdatta Dasgupta July 24, 2025 0 Comments

If tarot decks had personalities, the Everyday Witch Tarot would be that cool aunt who brings wine to game night, tells you the unfiltered truth even when it stings, and somehow always knows when Mercury is in retrograde!  Released on 8 January 2017, this deck by Deborah Blake (with illustrations by Elisabeth Alba) is the perfect mix of magical whimsy and modern-day sass. It is like a spellbook wrapped in a self-help journal, illustrated with the cutest black cats you’ve ever seen. 

Let’s start with the aesthetics, because yes, we all judge this book by its cover. The artwork is very detailed and absolutely alive. These aren’t your medieval, overly cryptic tarot cards that make you feel like you need a PhD in symbolism to decode them. Each card in this deck feels like a scene straight out of a fantasy novel where the protagonist is also figuring out how to pay the rent, adulting, and what the hell their crush meant by “you are like a friend to me.”

The cards feature modern witches on brooms, in kitchens, riding bicycles, practicing yoga, and occasionally looking like they might hex someone who cut them in line. It is absolutely relatable (if you are a witch) and delightful. There’s something incredibly grounding about seeing magical characters in relatable everyday settings, it makes the messages feel less “from the beyond” and more like they’re coming from a wise bestie who also happens to read runes on the side.

One of the standout things about the Everyday Witch Tarot is how approachable it is. You don’t need to know what a pentacle is or pretend you’ve memorized all 78 cards to get started. The images are clear, expressive, and emotionally intuitive. If you’ve ever read a meme and thought “too real,” you’re halfway to reading this deck. And, just in case you would like to know what a pentacle is, then there is the guidebook. It is not one of those “this card means chaos, good luck” situations. It is detailed, conversational, and genuinely helpful. You get upright and reversed meanings and explanations that go beyond the surface. The guide also has suggested spreads that aren’t just “past, present, future and a panic attack.” It is built to make you feel smart and seen.

What makes this deck truly special is how it mixes in traditional tarot archetypes with everyday context. The Fool? A witch stepping off a cliff with a cat and a suitcase because sometimes, life is just a vibe and a leap. The Lovers? Less dramatic angel-on-high, more “let’s do this together even if it’s messy.” This blend of classic symbolism with everyday imagery helps your brain actually connect with the message. You’re not trying to remember what the Ten of Swords meant from that dusty Rider-Waite-Smith PDF you downloaded in 2011. You’re just looking at a relatable scene that instantly says, “Yup. Been there. Felt that.” 

The Everyday Witch Tarot has the kind of energy that makes you want to journal, light a candle, and be kinder to yourself; all without slipping into toxic positivity. It’s warm. Encouraging. Slightly cheeky. And whether you’re doing a one-card pull before breakfast or an elaborate twelve-card spread because Mercury just retrograded all over your plans; this deck shows up for you. It’s also a great emotional support deck when you’re spiraling. (I don’t need to explain how I know, do I?) This deck is equally great for deep introspection, practical guidance, and “I-just-need-a-sign” moments. You can use it to explore relationships, career changes, spiritual growth, or to dramatically whisper “show me my path” while sipping chai on a Tuesday. It works for everything, really. Except maybe tax advice… even magic has limits.

So, Should You Get It?
In one word? YES.

In more words: whether you’re a tarot newbie still figuring out which side of the deck is up or a seasoned reader looking for something fun, sincere, and visually rich, the Everyday Witch Tarot is a gem. It doesn’t try to intimidate you. It doesn’t expect you to be “woo” enough. It just shows up with its broom, its cat, and its no-nonsense wisdom. 

I give it a full five stars and a bonus moonstone. It has enriched my tarot practice, made my readings more intuitive, and to be honest; it just makes it more fun. And in a world that’s constantly spiralling, we could all use a bit more magic, humour, and grounded guidance. 

So go ahead, get yourself a deck. Shuffle, draw, and see what your inner witch has to say. Spoiler: she’s smarter than you think.

Friday, 11 July 2025

A Story That Should Have Never Been

Debdatta Dasgupta July 11, 2025 0 Comments

Some stories are written with ink on paper, while others are carved into the heart by time.
This one was never meant to be written.

This post is inspired by the lyrics of 'Don't say you love me' by Jin, from the album Echo. It is partly based on true story & partly fictionalised. Which part is real and which part is fictionalised is for me to know and you to guess.

This story began like most stories people romanticise in retrospect: two college kids in love with music, mischief, and each other’s company. They were in the same class and were part of the same circle. They were always seen together; planning pranks and walking aimlessly for hours, laughing like time would never run out. And somewhere in the middle of a mountain trail, when he offered his hand to help her cross a ridge, she thought, Maybe I don’t have to do everything alone anymore.

That moment felt like a promise. Not in words. Just in the way he held space for her independence and offered care anyway. It cracked something open in her, something she didn’t know had been sealed shut since childhood.

They fell in love. Or she did.

The story should have ended long before it began to rot.

Unfortunately it did not. And so, after a few years of dating, they got married. And slowly, he stopped walking beside her. Not physically, no. He was still there in the literal sense. But he had wandered off in every way that actually mattered. He left her to carry the weight of two families, a job, a home, and the growing silence in between.

He let her burn quietly. Gaslit her when their world struck her with words that wounded deeper than any slap. He watched, shrugged, and called it normal or denied everything and said it never happened. He said he loved her.

But love, she learned, doesn’t ask you to bleed quietly just to keep the peace of one person.

The breaking point wasn’t loud and did not come with announcements or guidelines.

It came when she fell sick and the fever wouldn’t let go for long months. He didn’t check on her. He didn’t help. He didn’t care. The man who once reached out to catch her on rocky mountain trails now wouldn’t so much as lift a finger when she was falling apart.

Physically. Mentally. Emotionally.

And that’s when the lyrics came to her. Like a cold truth whispered through, Jin’s voice shining as always:

Don't tell me that you're gonna miss me
Just tell me that you wanna kill me
Don't say that you love me 'cause it hurts the most
You just gotta let me go

Because if this was love, she didn’t want it.

Now, she feels… nothing.

No rage. No heartbreak. Just stillness.

She looks at that chapter like an old coat in the back of her closet — heavy, shapeless, no longer hers. She survived 15 long years with him. She can survive anything. She’s stronger. Sharper. More cynical, maybe, but also less willing to settle for anything less than real.

This story should have never been.
But it was.
And now, it’s hers to end... in truth, not in silence.

Friday, 20 June 2025

If BTS were Tarot Cards...

Debdatta Dasgupta June 20, 2025 0 Comments

ARMYs have not seen the 7 together since the ‘Yet to Come’ concert at Busan on 15th October, 2022. Though they had their individual projects and a HELL lot of pre-recorded content to keep ARMYs busy - they weren’t together-together since the Busan concert. And BTS is 7.  

They are set to reunite tomorrow, June 21st with Suga's discharge and to ARMYs it is a moment that they have been waiting for. Whether you’re a long-time ARMY or someone who’s just recently found comfort in their music, this reunion is not just about seven members coming back together. It is about the return of the Bangtan Boys who have inspired millions to dream, to heal, and to grow.

And what better way to honour BTS reuniting than with something equally symbolic?

The Tarot!

Tarot cards have always been about storytelling. For those who know nothing or very little about Tarot, here’s a short & relevant crash course. Each card in the Major Arcana represents a stage of the human journey: from naive beginnings to spiritual enlightenment. They are archetypes, mirrors of human psyche. The Bangtan members are no exceptions because at the end of the day, they are just like us. Each one of them bring something unique and irreplaceable to the group. 

So, if BTS were Tarot cards, which cards would they be? What archetypes do they embody? What energies do they carry, both in their public personas and private evolution?

Let’s dive in. Let’s explore connection between the idols and tarot.

Kim Namjoon a.k.a RM

Card: The Hierophant

Keywords: Wisdom, Structure, Guidance, Inner Truth

I see RM as The Hierophant. He is the spiritual teacher, the keeper of knowledge, the translator between higher ideals and everyday reality.

From the very beginning, Namjoon has played the role of a guide and not just as the leader of BTS, but also as a voice of reason and reflection. He’s someone who thinks deeply and speaks with purpose. Like The Hierophant, he takes abstract wisdom and makes it accessible for everyone. Whether it is quoting Nietzsche in interviews, unpacking the human condition through lyrics, or standing at the UN encouraging youth to speak themselves, RM channels knowledge into inspiration.

But The Hierophant is not just about intellect, he is also about responsibility. Namjoon has always borne the invisible weight of being the bridge: between his team and the agency, between BTS and the world, between tradition and rebellion, between vulnerability and leadership. He holds the group’s chaos with quiet grace. He leads not with ego, but with empathy. He listens. He evolves. He admits when he doesn’t know. And in doing so, he invites others to do the same.

Just like The Hierophant initiates people into a deeper understanding of life, RM has guided millions into self-reflection. He doesn’t claim to have all the answers. But he asks the right questions. And that’s often more powerful.

He is just the steady voice that says, Keep going. You’re doing well.

Kim Seokjin a.k.a Jin

Card: The Sun
Keywords: Joy. Vitality, Warmth, Celebration

If Jin were a Tarot card, he’d be The Sun. He is radiant, bold, and simply impossible to ignore. The Sun doesn’t just shine, it also nourishes everything around it. And that’s exactly what Jin has done since day one.

While he’s often known as the “worldwide handsome”, what truly makes Jin unforgettable is his light. It is in the way he makes others laugh, the way he carries responsibility without losing his playful edge, the way he never lets the group take life too seriously. We can never forget the 20 year old Jin cooking for his brothers all by himself.

The Sun in Tarot is about showing up as your full self and radiating confidence not out of arrogance, but from inner peace. Jin embodies this. He’s the one who’s unafraid to belt a dramatic high note, wear a silly costume, or eat in his lives to encourage people with eating disorders to eat better. He reminds us that joy is a choice that we have to choose for ourselves.

But don’t let the brightness fool you. Like the Sun card, Jin has faced his share of darkness. Yet, even in uncertainty, he’s chosen to shine. His military enlistment marked the beginning of BTS’s temporary chapter apart, and fittingly, his return feels like the sunrise after a long night. Now, as BTS reunites, Jin re-enters not just as the eldest hyung, but as the heart of the group’s emotional rhythm.   

His light heals. It says,

We’re home.

Min Yoongi a.k.a SUGA

Card: Death
Keywords: Transformation, Endings and Beginnings, Release/Rebirth, Shadow Work

If SUGA were a Tarot card, he would be Death and no, not because he’s cold or distant (although he’d probably smirk and say “fair enough”). But because no one in BTS embodies transformation quite like him.

In Tarot, Death is not a card of physical demise, it is the archetype of powerful change. It asks us to shed the skins that no longer fit, to sit in silence with our shadows, and to come out the other side renewed. It is about facing truth without fear and turning pain into poetry. This is Yoongi’s superpower, don’t you agree?

Yoongi’s music often explores depression, anxiety, rage, trauma, and self-doubt, but not to romanticise them. He confronts, dissects them, dares to name every emotion. SUGA has never been about pretending to be fine. He’s about being real. The Death card invites transformation, and Yoongi has done this again and again: from underground rapper to idol, from BTS’s quiet producer to commanding soloist Agust D. Every version of him is a rebirth. He’s been through the fire, and he carries that alchemical power in his words, his beats, his gaze.

Even his presence in BTS feels like a quiet revolution. He doesn’t demand attention, but when he speaks, the room listens. Like Death, he brings truth to the table which can sometimes be uncomfortable, but is always necessary. And with that truth comes growth.

The Death card is not an ending, it is a passage. A necessary shedding before the next chapter. And with Yoongi, we’ve learned: endings can be beautiful. Especially when they make room for something even more honest.

He offers his fans a mirror,

Look. You’re not alone. You can survive this too.

Jung Hoseok a.k.a J-Hope

Card: The Star
Keywords: Hope, Healing, Light After Darkness, Inspiration

J-Hope IS The Star. He is the guiding light that appears when the dust settles, the soft glow that promises healing is not just possible, but inevitable.

It is right there in his name... Hope. But J-Hope’s optimism has never been just surface-level. It is not the loud, forced cheerfulness that avoids pain. It is something deeper, more enduring. Like, in the Fool’s Journey in Tarot, The Star shines after the storm after the Tower has crumbled, after the Death card has done its work. He’s the breath you take when you realize you did NOT fall apart completely. You’re still here. And so is the light.

Hobi’s energy has always been both grounding and elevating. On stage, he’s magnetic. He is a performer so precise that it looks effortless. Off stage, he’s the emotional glue, the vitamin that everyone gravitates to, the one who notices when someone needs a little extra warmth. He reminds the group and the fandom that joy is a radical act of self-preservation.

In Tarot, The Star also symbolizes authenticity and alignment. And J-Hope’s solo journey proved just how much depth lies behind that bright smile. His album Jack in the Box revealed shadows, questions, and creative fire. It is all the more beautiful because his hope has never been naïve.

As BTS reunites, Hobi returns as the same bright soul, but with a new layer of wisdom (and fewer shirts?!!!). His military service marked a pause, but it didn’t dim his light. If anything, it made him steadier. Stronger in the best way. The Star card appears in readings as a sign that healing is near. That you are on the right path. That, even if you don’t feel it yet, the universe is gently aligning things in your favor.

That’s J-Hope. The steady hand on your shoulder. The spark in the dark. The quiet reminder,

You’ve come this far. Don’t stop now.

Park Jimin

Card: The Lovers
Keywords: Connection, Vulnerability, Emotional Truth, Duality

If our Flirt King were a Tarot card, he would be The Lovers. It is for the very obvious reasons and also for the not-so-obvious reasons. Jimin lives and breathes connection. Emotional, physical, and spiritual. He doesn’t just perform on-stage, he feels, and he makes you feel too. (Ever tried pausing a video of Jimin dancing at a random place? Never not in perfect line!)

In Tarot, The Lovers is not simply about romance. It is about choice. Alignment. The courageous act of showing up as your full self. That’s Jimin’s gift. He opens himself up, soft and unguarded, even when it would be easier to hide behind perfection. And in that openness, he creates intimacy with his members, his fans, and himself.

Jimin walks the line between strength and softness like a dance. Just like he channels both the feminine and masculine energies fluidly. He’s known for his elegance, his ethereal voice, his almost-otherworldly stage presence. Beneath all that perfection is someone intensely human. Someone who doubts, questions, reflects, and still chooses to give love freely. That duality is the heart of The Lovers card: shadow and light, vulnerability and power, desire and self-awareness. He’s also the emotional barometer of BTS. He is deeply attuned to the feelings in the room. If someone’s hurting, he senses it. If someone needs comfort, he gives it, wordlessly, through a hug or a glance or that tiny, soul-piercing smile. His love language is presence.

When Jimin went solo with FACE, we saw him grapple with identity, heartbreak, and internal conflict; not with theatrics, but with raw honesty. That’s The Lovers energy too: confronting the mirror and loving what you find, even when it is complicated.

As BTS reunites, Jimin brings with him that same depth. He reminds us that love is a decision, not just a feeling. And that the bonds that tie us to each other, to ourselves are sacred, fragile, and worth fighting for. The Lovers is the card of true connection. And no one embodies that kind of soul-to-soul link quite like Jimin.

Jimin says,

Here I am. Will you meet me halfway?

Kim Taehyung a.k.a V

Card: The Moon
Keywords: Mystery, Intuition, Dreams, Emotion

If V were a Tarot card, he would be The Moon. He is he card of dreams, shadows, and everything that doesn’t fit into neat little boxes. Like the Moon itself, Taehyung doesn’t just reflect light. He refracts it, bends it, turns it into something entirely his own.

The Moon in Tarot is deeply emotional, often surreal. It asks you to trust your instincts, to navigate the unknown, to feel your way through the fog instead of forcing logic onto something that can only be felt. That’s Taehyung’s artistry in a nutshell. He is instinctive, moody, and rich with emotion even when the meaning isn’t immediately clear.

V is a walking contradiction in the most beautiful way. He is the one doesn’t ever do what he is told to. (just ask Jin & Hobi, will you?) He’s playful and brooding. Goofy and deeply philosophical. His voice is velvet and gravel all at once, and his performances pull you into some alternate world where everything is a little softer, a little stranger, a little more felt. Like The Moon, he invites you into the subconscious. He leads you towards your intuition, memory, dreams, and longing.

Even his fashion, photography, and solo work (Layover, anyone?) carry the hazy, poetic energy of this card. There’s nostalgia in everything he touches, a yearning for something just out of reach; like a dream you wake up from too soon.

As BTS reunites, V returns like moonlight after a long night. He is steady, silver, and still a little unknowable. But that’s the magic. He doesn’t demand understanding. He simply exists and in doing so, teaches us to embrace the parts of ourselves we don’t fully understand either. Because sometimes, healing doesn’t come from clarity. It comes from learning to move with the tide.

V says,

Follow the feeling even if you do not completely understand it yet.

Jeon Jungkook

Card: The Chariot
Keywords: Willpower, Determination Victory, Growth

If our Kookie were a Tarot card, he would be The Chariot. He embodiment of motion, momentum, and sheer unstoppable will. The Chariot doesn’t wait for the stars to align. It charges forward, fuelled by purpose and discipline. And honestly? That’s been Jungkook since day one.

From debut to global stardom, we’ve watched him evolve from the wide-eyed youngest member into a powerhouse vocalist, dancer and performer. But it wasn’t handed to him on a platter (none of the members were!). He earned it alongside his hyungs with long nights, relentless training, and a hunger to grow that never burned out.

The Chariot is about aligning opposing forces: inner doubts vs. outer expectations, fear vs. ambition; and mastering them to move forward. Jungkook has faced intense scrutiny for his perfectionism, and the pressure of being the “Golden Maknae,” and yet, he never settled. Instead, he kept learning, kept refining, kept becoming.

His solo era, especially with GOLDEN, was a full-blown Chariot moment. He was sleek, confident, and technically flawless. It was him taking the reins of his own narrative, not to prove anything but because the road was calling. Also, The Chariot isn’t just about ambition. It is also about control. Not the tight, suffocating kind, but the type that comes from deep self-knowledge. Jungkook has grown into someone who doesn’t just react to the world. Instead, he directs his own path through it. That’s victory. Not trophies and not the numbers.

As BTS reunites, Jungkook returns not as the youngest who followed, but as someone who leads, in his own way. Still humble. Still hungry. Still moving forward, but with more clarity than ever. The Chariot is a card of triumph, yes, but more importantly, it is a card of movement with purpose. And if Jungkook has shown us anything, it is this: no matter where the road leads next, he’ll meet it at full speed, eyes open, heart steady. Because for him, the journey is the victory.

Jungkook says,

I’m already on my way. Catch up if you can.

As BTS reunites on June 21, it feels like the Major Arcana has come full circle. Seven cards. Seven stories. Seven souls who’ve walked their own winding paths only to find their way back to each other, and to us. This isn’t just about military discharges or group schedules resuming. It is about the power of a comeback that the stars have been aligning for. The Tarot teaches us that no journey is linear: there are detours, deaths, rebirths, and revelations. And BTS has lived every one of them, not behind a veil of mystery, but right in front of us. With their hearts open and all cards on the table.

Each member carries their own archetype: RM’s wisdom, Jin’s light, Yoongi’s transformation, Hobi’s hope, Jimin’s emotional truth, Taehyung’s dreamlike depth, and Jungkook’s forward momentum. But together, they form something greater: a living, breathing deck of possibility, resilience, and human connection. And maybe that’s what makes BTS so special. They don’t just reflect the Tarot or an Archetype. They are a reminder that the universe keeps whispering through every song, every stage, every comeback for all of us:

“You’re not alone in this. Keep going. The story isn’t over yet.”

The deck has been shuffled.  
We are ready for the magic to happen.
Welcome back, BTS!

893348031 · We are Bulletproof : the Eternal

Saturday, 7 June 2025

Nine Puzzles #ShoutoutSaturday #MustWatch

Debdatta Dasgupta June 07, 2025 0 Comments

If you like your mysteries dark, your characters complicated, and your brain a little scrambled by the end of a drama, Nine Puzzles might be exactly what you’re looking for.

At first glance, it might feel like any other crime thriller on the clock. A profiler with a past she can’t outrun, a detective who suspects her of being a murderer, a string of murders, puzzle pieces connected to each murder, and a killer who always seems to be just out of reach. But it doesn’t take long for the show to shift gears. This isn’t about big action or flashy plot twists. It’s about what happens when trauma doesn’t fade, and how people cope when the past starts bleeding into the present.

We meet Yoon Ena, a criminal profiler who has spent years building walls, keeping her emotions in check and dealing with missing memories of a critical moment from her youth. Kim Da-mi plays her with a sharpness that brings the character alive on screen. Ena isn’t here to win sympathy. She’s here to finish something that started long ago, even if it means tearing herself apart in the process. She’s teamed up with Detective Kim Han-saem, played by Son Suk-ku, is that loose cannon of the department that we have come to expect in a lot of thrillers. He loses his patience and causes trouble a lot. But he can also be quiet, grounded, and incredibly observant. He doesn’t need to say much.

Their dynamic avoids clichés. There’s no forced romance or unnecessary tension. Just two people, both deeply human and haunted, trying to figure out the same puzzle from opposite angles. Watching them work together is part of the show’s quiet brilliance. It’s not dramatic. It’s honest.

The series narrative plays with time and memory. Some scenes drift into flashback, giving us glimpses of the back stories of certain characters. There are moments when you’re not sure if what you’re watching is fact or filtered memory. And that uncertainty feels intentional. The viewer isn’t just an observer here. You will be transported into the world of the story, trying to make sense of it along with the characters.

Each episode adds a new layer. A detail, a face, a little bit of the past that no one wants to brought back up. The murders are disturbing, but the focus is rarely on the violence. Instead, it’s on the motive. The why. . This is where Nine Puzzles shines. It gives space to stories that are usually sidelined. It lets women be the complex humans that they are. They can be victims, survivors, investigators, and sometimes something else entirely.

The writing is lean and effective. There is no fluff, and no fillers. It trusts that the audience can connect the dots. Some will, some won’t. Either way, it’s satisfying without being obvious. The big reveal doesn’t come with any overly dramatic twist. It lands quietly, but it hits hard. And once it does, everything that came before starts to make a different kind of sense and make you take a pause.

Both Kim Da-mi and Son Suk-ku carry this show with performances that are restrained but deeply felt. Every moment of slight hesitation and every pause felt intentional. Their characters do not need grand monologues. And the supporting cast adds depth without pulling focus. No one is there just to check a box. Everyone has a role to play in the larger picture.

Visually, the show is understated. No glossy filters or overdone effects. The camera lingers. It lets the tension build slowly. The colour palette leans muted, lending to the sombre setting of the series. This style might feel too slow for some viewers, especially those who prefer more pace or action. But for those who enjoy psychological storytelling, the series creates exactly the right atmosphere.

In the end, Nine Puzzles is less about solving a crime and more about unpacking the pain behind it. It’s about memory, power, and what it takes to finally stop running from the past. There’s a raw honesty in how it portrays trauma. It does not use trauma as a dramatic plot device, but as something personal and enduring.

Nine Puzzles is certainly not a comfort watch. But if you’re in the mood for a cerebral mystery with depth, heart, and a lingering impact, this one absolutely delivers.

Monday, 12 May 2025

Hidden Love #CDrama #Review

Debdatta Dasgupta May 12, 2025 0 Comments

If you’re a fan of heartfelt romance with a dash of nostalgia, Hidden Love is an absolute must-watch. This drama beautifully captures the essence of first love, slow-burning emotions, and the kind of longing that lingers long after the screen fades to black. At its core, Hidden Love is built on some of the most beloved romance tropes—childhood crush, age gap romance, slow burn, and unrequited love (that turns out to be not-so-unrequited after all). But instead of feeling cliché, these elements are woven together in a way that feels fresh, natural, and touches the right chords.

It’s a story of love that starts in the quiet corners of everyday life—hidden glances, a fluttering heart, and the small yet significant moments that build a connection. The drama takes its time, allowing us to feel every ounce of Sang Zhi’s youthful admiration for Duan Jiaxu, a boy who was once just her brother’s best friend but slowly became her whole world. And while many dramas rely on grand declarations, Hidden Love thrives in its subtlety. It’s the kind of love that sneaks up on you, just as it does for the characters. The stry follows Sang Zhi, a bright and somewhat mischievous girl who develops a quiet crush on her older brother’s best friend, Duan Jiaxu. To her, he is the warm and gentle presence who unknowingly becomes the center of her world. However, with their age gap and the natural course of life pulling them in different directions, her feelings remain tucked away—hidden, just as the title suggests.

Years later, fate brings them together again, but this time, the dynamic has shifted. Sang Zhi is no longer just a little sister figure in the background—she’s grown into an independent young woman, and Jiaxu starts seeing her in a completely new light. What follows is a beautifully paced journey of friendship, rediscovery, and a love that blooms organically over time, making every step of their relationship feel authentic and deeply moving.

Sang Zhi (Zhao Lusi) is a breath of fresh air—playful yet sensitive, strong-willed yet deeply emotional. We see her grow from a spirited teenager with a secret crush into a confident young woman who knows what she wants. What makes her journey so compelling is how natural and relatable it feels. She doesn’t rush into love or force her feelings onto Duan Jiaxu; instead, she lets time and circumstances shape her emotions, allowing them to mature alongside her. Zhao Lusi’s portrayal is effortlessly charming, capturing the nuances of Sang Zhi’s emotions... her quiet yearning, her jealousy, her heartbreak, and, ultimately, her courage in pursuing what she wants.

Duan Jiaxu (Chen Zheyuan) is the perfect blend of warmth and restraint. He starts as the gentle, caring older brother figure who dotes on Sang Zhi without a second thought, but as time passes, we witness his internal conflict. He’s always been careful, maintaining his distance out of respect for her age and his own past struggles. However, as he begins to see her differently, his hesitation and eventual realization make his character arc incredibly satisfying. Chen Zheyuan brings an understated intensity to the role, making every small shift in his emotions... his protectiveness, his self-doubt, his growing affection, feel utterly believable.

And then, of course, there’s Sang Yan (Victor Ma), Sang Zhi’s hilarious yet fiercely protective older brother. His role might seem secondary, but he’s one of the most memorable parts of the drama. As much as he bickers with Sang Zhi, his love for her is undeniable. His reaction to the shifting dynamic between Sang Zhi and Jiaxu adds both humor and heartfelt moments to the story. Beneath his exasperation lies genuine care, and watching him slowly come to terms with his sister’s feelings is one of the drama’s more touching aspects.

Each of these characters grows in their own way—Sang Zhi learns to stand up for her love, Jiaxu learns to let go of his fears and embrace happiness, and Sang Yan learns that no matter how much he wants to shield his sister, she will find her own path. It’s this character-driven storytelling that makes Hidden Love so deeply engaging.

Saturday, 26 April 2025

8 Things You Should Know About Freelancers (That No One Talks About) #ShoutoutSaturday

Debdatta Dasgupta April 26, 2025 0 Comments

Freelancers: the mythical creatures who work in pajamas, make boat loads of money in two hour workdays and have so much free time that they’re basically always on vacation, right?

Wrong.

If you’ve ever wondered what freelancers really do all day or assumed they’re just chilling at home “between gigs." From unstable income to zero boundaries and clients who think exposure is currency, freelancing is equal parts freedom and chaos. If you have ever looked at a freelancer and thought, “Wow, they have so much free time!” or “Must be nice not having a real job,” allow me to introduce you to the real freelance experience. Yes, we can technically work from anywhere, but that mostly means we’re working from everywhere; including our desks, or the bed, or at the dinner table, or during our vacation, and sometimes even in our dreams. Sure, we don’t have a boss in the traditional sense, but we do have clients. And unlike a single boss at a full-time job, freelancers get the privilege of juggling multiple bosses at once. And it is important to remember that each 'boss' comes with different demands, deadlines, and urgent last-minute revisions.

And let’s talk about that so called financial freedom. Some months, we might feel like kings, making six figures and treating ourselves to something nice (like…paying rent on time). Other months? We stare into the abyss of our empty bank account, wondering if exposure can truly pay the bills.

Whether you are a fellow freelancer nodding in pain-laughter or someone trying to understand why your freelance friend never replies to your quick messages during the day, here are the top things you need to know about the reality of freelancing life. Ah, freelancing, the dream job where we wake up at noon, work for an hour in our pajamas, and then spend the rest of the day binge-watching shows while money magically appears in our accounts. At least, that is what a lot of people seem to think. Reality? A lot less glamorous.

So, before you assume your freelancer friend/family is just hanging out at home doing nothing or has endless time to grab lunch on a Tuesday, here are a few things you should know.

1. You’re Always Free, Right?

One of the most common myths about freelancers is that we’re always available; for anything and everything. The assumption being “we don’t have a real job.” Since we work from home (or cafés, or hill stations, or the beach), people assume our schedules are flexible enough to squeeze in weekday brunches, errands, and last-minute hangouts.
Here’s the spoiler: We’re NOT free. We’re just not commuting to an office.
Freelancers manage multiple clients, meetings, invoices, taxes, deadlines and sometimes all of the above in one day. We wear all the hats required to make things work. We have to be the writer, the designer, the accountant, the admin, the therapist (mostly for ourselves)… which means our calendars fill up fast. We usually end up eating our meals at our worktable while checking emails and reading documents. Taking a spontaneous break for a lunch with family often means making up for it with a work sprint that goes past 12 midnight.
So next time you say, “But you can just do it later, right?”, please try to remember, if we don’t work, we don’t get paid. And if we keep skipping work to socialize, we might just end up permanently free and broke.

2. You Must Be Making a Lot, Right?

Here is another freelancing myth that just won’t die: that we make loads of money by working maybe a couple hours a day. While it is true that some freelancers earn well and do have flexible schedules, the full picture is a lot more complicated.
The reality is that the freelance income is wildly inconsistent. One month, we might hit six figures and the next, we are breaking out our piggy-banks and refreshing our inbox waiting for a client to “confirm the project.” There are no guaranteed paycheck, no paid leave, and definitely no HR department to chase overdue payments.
Yes, some of us charge a premium rates. Yes, we hustle constantly for every rupee. But freelancing isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme that most people think it to be. It is a high risk, high stress, do-it-yourself kind of job. If stability is your thing, freelancing will keep you up at night (and not just because you’re working with clients in five different time zones).

3. It Must Be Great to Not Have a Boss

One of the biggest misconceptions about freelance life is that we are “free from the boss.” While that is technically true that we don’t report to a single manager. But in reality? Every client becomes a boss with their own deadlines, expectations, and “just one quick edit” requests at 11 PM.
Freelancers don’t have a boss… we have multiple bosses. And sometimes, they are way worse than any corporate micromanager. They ghost, delay payments, change briefs mid-project, or expect fast turnarounds because they think you’re not doing anything else.
Sure, we have more autonomy. But with that comes juggling priorities, client personalities, and self-management. This honestly requires more patience than dealing with one annoying boss in a regular 9 to 5.

4. Must Be Nice to Work in Your Pajamas All Day

The whole freelancers work in pajamas all day trope sounds cute until you realize that wearing pajamas while working usually means your brain stays in sleep mode too.
Yes, some of us do work in comfy clothes and sometimes we do not even comb our hair in the mornings, but freelancing isn’t a Netflix and nap lifestyle. Just like a ‘real job’, we have to deal with client meetings, strategy sessions, deadlines, and tasks that demand focus. And trust us, showing up to a Zoom call in PJs isn’t exactly a confidence booster.
Most seasoned freelancers swear by getting dressed for work, even if it’s just swapping to specific pajama bottoms for real pants. Because when your bed, your desk, and your fridge are all within five steps of each other, you need every trick to stay productive and professional.

5. Boundaries? What Boundaries?

One of the less glamorous truths about freelancing is how easy it is lose balance and the complete and utter collapse of work-life balance is just a domino away. When your home becomes your office, boundaries go out the window. Suddenly, replying to emails at midnight or taking client calls during dinner becomes absolutely normal.
Friends and family often don’t help either. They assume that because you “work from home,” you’re always reachable. But in reality, freelancers constantly battle distractions, irregular hours, and an inability to fully switch off.
Setting boundaries as a freelancer isn’t a nice-to-have. It is about survival. Because without them, burnout shows up dressed like a cozy blanket and a to-do list that never ends.

6. You Can Just Say No to Bad Clients, Right?

In theory, freelancing means choosing your clients. In reality? Bills exist.
Saying “no” to bad clients sounds empowering, and sometimes, it is. But during dry spells, when income is low or rent is due, freelancers often take on work they know will be painful just to keep the cash flowing. Red flags get ignored. Payment delays become part of the job.
The luxury of turning down bad clients only comes with financial stability. Until then, many freelancers juggle tricky personalities, unrealistic timelines, and underpaid gigs; all the while smiling politely and hoping for better next month. 

7. Vacations Are a Lie

You know what’s more stressful than working? Not working… when you’re a freelancer.
Taking a vacation sounds simple enough. Just unplug and relax, right? Except, freelancers don’t get paid leave. No work equals no income. And unless you’ve prepped content, scheduled emails, briefed clients, and wrapped up all deadlines in advance, your “vacation” will be haunted by work guilt and Slack notifications.
Even on the usual national holidays, freelancers can be found checking emails “just in case,” fielding urgent edits, or mentally calculating how much this break is costing them in lost billables.
So yes, we can take a vacation. But it often comes at the price of peace, pay, or both.

8. Despite Everything, We Actually Love It

Here’s the final twist in the tale: despite the chaos, the hustle, the unpredictable income, and the never-ending client emails… we freelancers absolutely love what we do.
We love the creative freedom, the flexibility to work from anywhere, and the ability to build something that’s ours. We love choosing the projects we care about and avoiding the politics of traditional workplaces. Even on our worst days, we know we traded the 9 to 5 grind for a shot at something more meaningful.
Freelancing isn’t perfect. It’s messy, demanding, and sometimes downright exhausting. But for those of us who choose this path, it’s still worth it.

Every single time.

If you have read this far and still think freelancers are just glorified couch potatoes living off passive income and good vibes… Congratulations! you have clearly been talking to our relatives.

Here’s the truth: freelancing is not some magical loophole in capitalism where people get rich while binge-watching Netflix in pajamas. It is unpredictable, unglamorous, and frequently exhausting. It demands strategy, self-discipline, resilience, and the occasional emotional breakdown over an unpaid invoice. We juggle deadlines, pitching to new clients, chasing the old ones for payments, and somehow still get labelled as the one ‘who does not have a real job’. After all is said and done, for reasons even we don’t fully understand, we love this chaotic little career path. Maybe it’s the freedom. Maybe it’s the caffeine. Maybe we’re just built different.

So the next time someone tells you they’re a freelancer, resist the urge to ask if they’re “still doing that little thing from home.” Instead, maybe offer them a coffee. They’ve probably been up since 6 AM working on three different projects while also being their own admin, marketing head, and IT support.

Freelancing isn’t a hobby. It’s a full-time job, and then some.

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