Ask Why do some clients act like a freelancer's time is free just because it is not office work?

[Edward22]

There is a common assumption among some clients that because a freelancer works from home or sets their own hours, their time is somehow more flexible and less valuable. They send messages at odd hours, expect fast replies at all times, and request quick changes without considering what it costs in time and energy. Freelancing is still work, and time spent on a project is time that cannot be spent elsewhere. Why do you think this mindset is still so common, and how do you set limits without damaging the working relationship?