Training in a dojo is never easy if you dive in deep enough with how samurai are being trained. Students were expected to work hard and to be disciplined. They were also expected to respect people and follow the dojo rules. However, the rewards of training in a dojo were great. Students learned how to defend themselves, control their emotions, and live a life of honor and integrity.
All of these apply to learning Freelancing. However, we're not holding swords and physically tiring ourselves.