I wish I could say I’ve always picked my freelance projects based on passion and the challenge level. But the truth is, for a while, I just followed where the money was. Looking back, this has led me to take on too many (often annoying or boring) projects, some of which paid really well but eventually turned into soul-sucking routines. That’s why I ended up dropping freelancing altogether.
This post is inspired by a recent chat with a friend who’s trying to figure out his next career move. He’s in that sweet spot where he gets to choose what’s next, and it got me thinking—if I could go back, I’d focus less on the paycheck and more on what made each project worth my time and interest.
I Wish I Focused More on Projects I Was Passionate About
If a company or product really excited me, I should’ve prioritized that over the cash. When you care about what you’re building, it’s so much easier to stay motivated. But too often, I picked a project just because it paid more, and before long, the lack of interest crept in.
Challenges > Routine
I used to love the idea of solving a problem that felt unique or tricky. But instead, I often went for the safer, better-paid options. That’s great… until it isn’t. These projects often became mind-numbingly repetitive. In hindsight, I should have aimed for gigs where I could tackle fresh challenges and grow from the experience, even if they didn’t come with a huge payout.
The People You Work With Matter… A Lot
When I did get to work with a sharp, motivated team, it was a total game-changer. But you don’t always get to pick who you work with and I ended up working with people who were more focused on the bottom line than actually making something great. If I could do it over, I’d choose to collaborate with teams that pushed me to get better.
Beware of the Burnout Trap
By saying yes to every high-paying project, I burned out fast. I got stuck in a cycle of churning out work I didn’t really care about, which eventually killed my energy for freelancing altogether.
Autonomy Is Key, But I Didn’t Value It Enough
I’ve always thrived with a lot of creative freedom. The problem was, some well-paid gigs didn’t come with that luxury. They wanted me to follow a strict script, with every decision being political. I should’ve put more emphasis on finding projects that trusted me to take the wheel, rather than those that paid better but made me feel like a cog in a machine.
Onwards!
Looking back, I realize freelancing could’ve been so much more fulfilling if I’d been pickier about what I said yes to. It’s not just about money—it’s about passion, growth, and the people you surround yourself with. So, if you’re at a professional crossroads, take a minute to reflect on what truly matters. The paycheck fades, but the experience and joy you gain from meaningful work? That sticks with you. Choose wisely.