How to Design Work Around Your Life—Not the Other Way Around
When you hear the word “work,” what comes to mind? For many, it’s something heavy, a burden, even a kind of torture. That’s not just a feeling—historically, the Latin word for work, tripalium, actually means torture. In the past, work was for slaves, and sadly, in some places, it still feels that way. Even in countries like France, Australia, the UK, or the US, work can sometimes feel like a punishment, especially when you’re asked to work 90 or 100 hours a week. No matter how much you’re paid, that’s not a fair trade for your time and well-being.
But let’s put aside the old idea of work as suffering. What if we could turn our projects into passions? What if “work” could mean something closer to excitement, creativity, and freedom? That’s what I want to talk about.
The Shift from Work to Passion Projects
Whether you’re a freelancer, a remote worker, or you’re thinking about becoming one, the real question is: how can you design your life so that your projects become your passions? I’m writing this from a bright, modern office, but the setting isn’t the point. What matters is the mindset.
If you’re working remotely, you already have a head start. Many companies now only ask that you spend at least six months in the country where they pay your salary, mostly for legal reasons. Some, like Automattic—the company behind WordPress—have taken this even further. They closed their main office and now everyone works remotely, from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re working on WooCommerce, WordPress, or any of their other projects, you set your own hours. The only thing that matters is getting the job done.
The Real Benefit: Time Freedom
Here’s the beauty of this setup: if you finish your work faster, you get more free time. You’re not chained to a desk just to fill hours. The same goes for freelancers. If you’re paid a fixed amount for a project and you finish early, the rest of the time is yours. That’s a real reward.
But there’s a catch. If you set your rates too low, you’ll attract clients who are stingy and difficult. I’ve been there—when I was freelancing in the UK, some clients were a nightmare. The ones who pay more are usually more understanding and patient. They know that quality takes time, and they’re not panicking about every penny.
The real luxury is not spending more, but having more time for yourself. — Pierre
Design Your Ideal Day First
Before you take on new projects or accept a job, take the time to design your ideal day. What does your perfect routine look like? Where do you want to live? What kind of work do you want to do? Set up your own mold first—spend a week or two living as you want, then look for work that fits into that lifestyle, not the other way around.
If you’re a freelancer, your clients usually won’t care where you live, as long as you deliver. Just make sure you know your country of tax residence (where you spend more than six months a year), and you’re good to go. If you love to travel, you can spend the rest of the year wherever you want—even Antarctica, if that’s your thing.
Changing your environment can completely change how you feel about work. Sometimes, just working from a new place can make everything feel fresh and exciting again.
Choose Your Partners Carefully
If you’re starting a new project or a startup, make sure your partners share your mindset and lifestyle. If not, you’ll run into problems sooner or later. You can also find work on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, and even automate some tasks or use AI to help you.
But remember: the goal isn’t to spend less, but to gain more time. Money comes and goes, but time, once lost, never returns. It’s better to pay more for a happier, more fulfilling life than to save money and do things you hate.
Time is the only currency you can never earn back. — Pierre
Action Over Theory
Don’t get stuck in endless planning or theory. The most important thing is to take action. Start designing your days, try new routines, and adjust as you go. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see what works for you.
The best time to take action is today, right now. — Pierre
Key Takeaways
- Work doesn’t have to be torture—design your projects around your passions.
- Remote work and freelancing give you the freedom to set your own hours and location.
- Set your rates high enough to attract respectful, understanding clients.
- Design your ideal day and lifestyle before accepting new work.
- Choose partners who share your mindset and values.
- Time is more valuable than money—protect it fiercely.
Action Steps
- Sketch out your ideal daily routine and lifestyle.
- Review your current projects—do they fit your dream life?
- Adjust your rates and client list if needed.
- Experiment with new environments to refresh your work mindset.
- Take action today—don’t wait for the “perfect” moment.
Reflection
- What does my dream workday look like?
- Am I trading too much time for too little reward?
- How can I make my work fit my life, not the other way around?
Pierre-Henry Soria
#Frictionless Living #Meaningful Work #Money #Nomad #Passion Projects #Personal Fulfillment #Productivity #Self-Transcendence #Work-Life Balance