For the most part, we freelancers are of a different mindset than the typical 9 to 5 crowd. We tend to be a little more independent, a little more self-starting, and a little more fond of variety. While we understand the pros and cons of the freelance lifestyle, however, oftentimes our friends and family do not. They call, they come by, they expect us to be able to drop whatever project has a deadline looming and babysit for an hour or eat with them while they’re on their lunch break. It’s true—these ARE actually perks to not being beholden to a cubicle, and most of the time, we freelancing folk are able to set our own schedules and do our own work thing. Problems arise when everyone else begins to devalue that work simply because we can do it from home, or in our PJs, or on our own schedules—and then we’re there at three o’clock in the morning trying to keep a Tuesday deadline. It’s up to us to reclaim our careers and set the boundaries we need, and there are a few easy ways to implement change that won’t cramp our freelance style.

1. Be your own boss. Sure, this may sound like a no-brainer for a freelancer, but really think about what that entails. You set your own hours, you keep your work and your funds organized, you get the assignments yourself—YOU are in control. To people looking in, this might seem like it means your calendar is free and you can do whatever you want because, after all, you’re the boss. What it really means is that, for most of us, discipline is key, and while it’s true we’re not forced to adhere to the constraints of an “on the clock” life, if we don’t take our jobs seriously, why should anyone else? That might mean posting working hours if you work from home, turning off the phone to personal calls during the day, or scheduling breaks for yourself—you’re the boss, and you know what works and what you need.

2. Get dressed. By now, it’s almost a cliché that the freelancer who works from home sits in their pajamas all day watching “The People’s Court” and dining on whatever’s handy. Honestly, if that’s your thing, go for it. Sometimes, though, the unwashed writer isn’t so much a sign of freedom as it is a sign of laziness—“Why should I put on clean clothes and comb my hair when I’m not going to see anyone until (insert time frame here)?” Again, it’s all about the value you put into what you’re doing. You don’t have to look “professional” if you don’t want to, but put a little effort into preparing yourself for the day. Going back to the idea of being your own boss, why not wear something YOU would appreciate in an employee, even if that’s a feathered hat or a Night of the Living Dead t-shirt. It might sound silly, but it also might make you sound better on that important phone call with a client.

3. Invest in organization. You’re not a slave to the workday hours of the world, and that’s the way you like it. It’s wise, however, to get yourself some sort of software—even if it’s a 99-cent app for your iPhone—that keeps track of deadlines, meetings, contacts, invoice dates, and any other important business-related information. If you determine you do your best work between 11:00am and 4:00pm, block out that time on your calendar everyday to work. That way, when someone calls and needs a ride to the store in ten minutes, you can look at your calendar, see what you have scheduled, and ask your boss (again, that’s you) if you can take a break. Sometimes you can, sometimes you can’t, but there’s something magical about having your activities committed to something your eyes can see that gives it more weight.

See, it’s not as split personality as it might feel in the beginning. Freelancing is always going to be about freedom, but that doesn’t always register with family and friends who are more traditional in their career thinking. Don’t worry—setting boundaries you’re comfortable with isn’t compromising to their job box, it’s simply giving you the power to dictate when you work, where you work, and how you work. What’s more freelance than that?