How to Succeed at Freelancing Without Burning Out
After spending years as a freelancer, I’ve gathered some experiences that I wish someone had shared with me at the start. My journey began over a decade ago, creating my own company in Manchester, UK, then moving to London, and later living in Ireland, New Zealand, and now Australia. Each place brought its own lessons, not just about work, but about people, culture, and what really makes a difference in this line of work.
I’ve worn many hats: entrepreneur, open-source project contributor (even when there was no money involved), and employee in startups where things move quickly and everyone is young and full of ideas. These environments are unique. For example, in startups, we often have offsite sessions—sometimes even in another country. This year, we’re flying from Sydney to Auckland for a team retreat. We also organize regular events, like cheese and wine evenings or group lunches every Wednesday. These moments are not just fun—they’re essential.
Why do companies do this? Because it’s getting harder to keep talented people. There are opportunities everywhere, and competition is healthy. But if a company doesn’t have a strong culture, people will leave. Salary isn’t everything. The experience you have in a company, or as a freelancer working with others, matters just as much. If you’re hiring or subcontracting, you need to give people a reason to stay with you. There are so many others out there who can offer the same technical skills, so what makes you different?
Working with someone toxic or unpleasant can ruin your days. Some people are more sensitive to this than others, but it’s always important to work with open-minded people who share their knowledge. Knowledge sharing is a real asset. For me, having colleagues who are smart and willing to teach is a huge plus. If you’re the smartest person in the room, you stop learning. You want to be surrounded by people with different skills so you can all grow together.
That’s why team experiences—meals, offsite events, and even small gatherings—make a big difference. In our small company of about 14 or 15 people, we can still do these things. When we grow to 50, it might not be possible anymore, so we make the most of it now.
The same goes for the service you offer your clients. Whether you’re a freelancer or a small startup, look for the little things that make a big difference. Create magical moments for your clients. Make them feel like they’re entering a special world when they work with you. That’s what will make them choose you over someone else. When clients know your values and commitments, they know what to expect—and they’re often willing to pay more for a unique, reliable experience.
Let me give you a real example. This morning, I went to the dermatologist. It cost $200, which is much more than the usual $60 or $70. But the experience was completely different. The doctor spent 40 minutes doing a full check-up, explained everything in detail, took photos, and gave me access to a portal where I can compare my skin over the years. They use special cameras and tools, and even provide a ruler to measure any concerning spots. Most dermatologists rush you through in five minutes and don’t have this technology. Here, you pay more, but you get much more. You feel taken care of.
Not everyone’s skin reacts the same way to treatments. Sometimes a cream works wonders for one person and makes things worse for another. The dermatologist explained that it’s about finding what’s right for you, not just following a standard routine. This is exactly how you should treat your clients: offer something tailored, something that goes beyond expectations.
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
—Maya Angelou
I talk about this a lot in my self-help book, especially about creating moments that go beyond what your clients or colleagues expect. Whether you’re hiring, subcontracting, or serving clients, think about how you can offer something memorable. These moments are what set you apart.
The best time to take action is now. Don’t put off what you want to do. Go for it. I’m with you 100%. And remember, if the path is beautiful, don’t worry about where it leads—just enjoy the journey. If you love what you do, that’s what matters most.
“If the path is beautiful, don’t ask where it leads. Just enjoy the walk.”
—Anonymous
Key Takeaways
- Culture and experience matter as much as money in freelancing.
- Small gestures and unique touches make you stand out.
- Surround yourself with people who challenge and teach you.
- Offer clients more than they expect—create memorable moments.
- The best time to start is now.
Action Steps
- Think about what makes your freelance service unique.
- Organize small team or client events to build stronger relationships.
- Always look for ways to go beyond expectations.
Reflection
- What small thing can I do today to make my clients’ experience better?
- Am I learning from those around me, or am I the one always teaching?
- How can I make my work journey more enjoyable right now?
Pierre-Henry Soria
#Career Advice #Entrepreneurship #Freelancing #Money #Nomad #Productivity #Remote Work #Time-Management #Work Culture