You’ve made it. You’ve worked hard to hone your skills—whether you taught yourself through countless tutorials or spent hours in university lecture halls, determined to turn your passion into a career. You’re ready to make a living doing what you love.

But then it hits you.

The freelance world, full of possibility, suddenly feels like an uphill battle. The projects come sporadically, the clients don’t return, and the work you pour your soul into often feels undervalued. For every step forward, it seems like there’s a wall waiting to block your path.

I know this feeling all too well.

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My Story: Pushing Through the Wall

I’ve been a designer for almost nine years now. It started with self-taught nights of experimentation, trial and error, and figuring things out one pixel at a time. I even enrolled in university to refine my skills but dropped out near the end of my first year because I realized the classroom wasn’t where my creativity thrived.

Over the years, I’ve had projects—plenty of them. But not once have I had a returning client. I’ve done countless free pieces of portfolio work, hoping each would lead to the “big break.” It didn’t.

Being a multinational individual has made it even harder. Building connections, understanding markets, and breaking into a freelance scene that often favors local creators is a constant challenge. And yet, I push forward.

Freelancing has taught me resilience. It’s shown me how to adapt, how to persevere even when the odds feel stacked against me. But the truth is, I’ve also had to confront the need for stability—hence my recent decision to explore full-time work while continuing to nurture my creative dream.

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The Harsh Reality Behind the Dream

When you step into freelancing, it feels like freedom. You imagine being your own boss, creating on your terms, and building something truly yours.

But soon enough, reality sets in.

The freelance world is competitive, saturated, and often undervalues the talent it relies on. Projects are sporadic, income is inconsistent, and freelancing platforms feel more like a crowded auction where the lowest bidder wins.

For creatives like me—and likely many of you—it’s not just about finding clients. It’s about finding clients who value your skills enough to pay you fairly and return for more. And that? That’s the real struggle.

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Why Many Freelancers Turn to Full-Time Work

For me, the decision to interview for a full-time position wasn’t easy. I’ve always dreamed of freelancing as my primary career, of living off the work I love. But as the years passed and the challenges mounted, the need for stability became undeniable.

During the interview, I was asked if I could focus entirely on the role and put freelancing on hold. That question stung. It felt like I was being asked to choose between stability and the dream I’ve chased for nearly a decade.

But the reality is that a steady paycheck provides a foundation—a way to fund my freelance goals and create without the constant pressure of financial insecurity. It’s not about giving up; it’s about building a safety net while I continue to climb.

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Freelancing Platforms: The Broken Promise

For many of us, freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr were supposed to be the answer—a way to connect with clients and build a sustainable career. But the reality is far less promising.

The competition is fierce, the fees are high, and the clients are often looking for the cheapest option, not the best fit. For those just starting out, building a reputation on these platforms can feel nearly impossible.

And for those of us who’ve been at it for years? It’s disheartening to see our skills undervalued in a market that prioritizes speed and cost over quality and creativity.

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Balancing Passion with Stability

So, how do we navigate this tricky balance? How do we keep the creative dream alive while ensuring we have the stability we need?

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

• Set Clear Boundaries: Decide how much time you can realistically dedicate to freelancing without burning out.
• Prioritize Your Projects: Focus on high-impact work that aligns with your long-term goals.
• Leverage Your Stability: Use a full-time job as a springboard to fund your freelance ambitions. Invest in tools, marketing, or courses to grow your creative career sustainably.
• Stay Resilient: Understand that freelancing is a marathon, not a sprint. Progress takes time, and setbacks are part of the journey.

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The Freelancer’s Future: A Hopeful Perspective

Freelancing is tough. It’s draining, unpredictable, and often thankless. But it’s also a space where creativity thrives, where passion and talent have the power to shine.

For me, the journey isn’t over—it’s just evolving. I’m finding new ways to balance my passion with the realities of the industry. And while the challenges remain, so does my determination to push through them.

If you’re in the same boat, know that you’re not alone. The dream may look different now, but it’s still worth chasing. And with every project, every connection, every step forward, you’re building something incredible—even if it’s not clear yet where the path will lead.

So keep going. Keep creating. The world needs what you have to offer.

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