How many times in your career have you been forced to choose between a lucrative gig that feeds your coffers but chips away at your soul and a low-payer or pro-bono gig that would make you feel like you’re contributing something positive to the world? This is a dilemma I’ve been faced with more times than I can count and it’s one that sits at the heart of what it means to be a professional creative.
Balancing paying work with work that feeds your purpose is a high-wire act that most of us know all too well and in such an uncertain economy, it’s become an even more treacherous one to navigate.
Whether you're a designer, writer, artist, or multi-hyphenate renaissance man, the challenge of maintaining financial stability while pursuing projects that light up your soul is a universal struggle, particularly if you work freelance. It is possible though, as long as you’re willing to compromise.
Know Your North Star
First things first: identify your North Star. What are the core values and goals that drive you? Are you passionate about social justice, environmental sustainability, or simply creating art that makes people feel something? Knowing what fuels your creative fire will help you make smarter choices about how to spend your time.
Charles Galland
Make a list of your top priorities and rank them. This is your personal compass, guiding you when you need to decide between a lucrative gig and a soul-satisfying project. Remember, it’s okay for these priorities to evolve as you grow—check in with yourself regularly to make sure you’re still on course.
Master the Art of Time Blocking
Time is the most precious resource for any creative. To ensure you’re giving both paying work and passion projects their due, embrace the magic of time blocking. Set aside specific hours or days for client work and carve out dedicated slots for your personal projects.
Tools like Google Calendar, Trello, or even a good old-fashioned bullet journal can help you stay organised. Time blocking isn't just about scheduling—it's about being disciplined. Stick to your plan to prevent one type of work from overshadowing the other.
Financial Health is Creative Wealth
Let’s get real: having a solid financial foundation gives you the freedom to pursue your passion projects without constant stress. Create a budget that covers your essentials and allows for savings. This might mean taking on more commercial work initially to build a safety net.
Zara Picken
Consider setting up a dedicated fund for your purpose-driven projects. This financial cushion will give you the flexibility to say yes to the projects that truly matter to you, without worrying about the next rent check.
Find Your Sweet Spot
Look for opportunities where your paying work and passion projects can intersect. If you’re a graphic designer who loves wildlife conservation, seek out clients in that field. Not only will this make your work more fulfilling, but it also builds your portfolio in a niche that aligns with your values.
Networking is your friend here. Engage with communities and forums where your interests lie. You never know when a seemingly unrelated connection might lead to a dream project that pays the bills and feeds your soul.
The Power of No
One of the hardest yet most liberating skills you can develop is the ability to say no. Not every project—whether it pays well or not—is worth your time. Be selective. Choose commercial projects that offer fair compensation and align with your skill set. For passion projects, ensure they resonate with your core values and make a significant impact.
Edgard Jarrin
Learning to say no helps you maintain a balanced workload and prevents burnout. It’s about making space for the work that truly matters to you.
Embrace Continuous Learning
The creative landscape is always evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Invest in your growth by learning new skills and staying updated with industry trends. This not only enhances your marketability but also opens doors to projects that might blend your financial and personal goals.
Be flexible and ready to adapt your strategies. Regularly evaluate your progress and tweak your plans to keep your balance. If commercial work is overwhelming, find ways to streamline or delegate tasks. If your passion projects are taking up too much time, reassess your financial goals to ensure stability.
Build Your Support Squad
Surround yourself with a network of mentors, peers, and colleagues who understand and support your journey. These connections can offer invaluable advice, share resources, and provide encouragement.
Zara Picken
Join professional organisations and online communities like Creativepool, where you can find like-minded individuals and potential collaborators. Engaging with these networks can lead to opportunities that fulfil both your financial and personal aspirations.
Prioritise Self-Care
Balancing different types of work can be demanding. Prioritise mindfulness and self-care to keep your creative juices flowing. Regular check-ins with yourself, meditation, exercise, and hobbies can help maintain your overall well-being and prevent burnout.
Don’t forget to schedule time for rest and relaxation. Taking breaks and unplugging from work can boost your productivity and creativity, making it easier to manage your diverse workload.
Celebrate the Journey
Balancing paying work with purpose-driven projects is an ongoing process, and every small win deserves celebration. Reflect on your progress and the impact of your work. Acknowledging these successes reinforces the value of your efforts and keeps you motivated.
Akane Hiraoka
Embrace the journey with all its ups and downs. Remember, achieving balance is a personal process that evolves over time. With dedication, thoughtful planning, and a dash of creativity, you can find harmony between paying work and projects that feed your purpose, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful career.
