Campfire #44: Short term projects kill your career
You must embrace long, complex jobs.
Over the last few years, I've been doing more work creating web apps. SaaS apps that are large, complicated, and data-heavy. Jobs that could take 2+ months simply on IA, user processes, and UX wireframes before even getting into visual design. Jobs that might last years of continuous work.
That's right, years.
A few years ago, I worked with a large enterprise, helping them build a design system and a suite of products. The project lasted over two years and included the creation of artifacts for the design system, products, and processes to drive adoption and usage.
I'm currently working on another similar-sized project. We're almost six months into it, and there's still a long way to get where we want.
I hear you saying it already:
"A project that lasts years?" I'd become bored. I became a freelancer to avoid doing stuff like that!"
I understand. Those were also my worries at the time.
One of the reasons I enjoy freelancing is the freedom it provides in choosing your clients and projects, which frequently means choosing a variety, trying new things, and pushing your limitations.
No matter how enthusiastic you are about the project and how sincerely involved you are in the business's success, you may begin to lose interest after six or nine months.
These more extended projects, however, are undoubtedly worth it! They give consistency in planning, workload, and pay, which even the most experienced freelancers struggle to achieve.
Here's what I do to keep those lengthy but eventually profitable projects enjoyable to the end:
Make your work more enjoyable by being selective about the projects you accept
If I've spent six months designing a complicated web app interface, the last thing I want is another similar project. To balance it, I'll find something on the opposite end of the spectrum, such as a marketing site or landing page.
Something with a shorter timeframe that will allow me to stretch another set of design muscles for a while. That may include turning away fantastic tasks for clients I adore, but keeping my work enjoyable is more important.
Get invested in your client's success
Develop a strong interest and enthusiasm for it. This starts with selecting clients whose businesses you respect and have a particular interest in. You must advance your career to the point where you can turn down a large amount of work and be very selective about what you take.
Accept projects corresponding to your preferences, strengths, and ethics to immerse yourself in the process and results confidently. I understand this is a privilege many people do not have, and I consider myself lucky to have it. Start small if you don't have that luxury. That initial small "no" may enable you to say the next bigger "no," opening the way for you to choose your ideal projects.
Control the process so it doesn't control you
Remember that your client isn't usually a design specialist. They expect you to outline the most creative process to accomplish their goals. Build an approach that works for you and know how to justify it.
This is vital because it implies that you are always doing valuable and worthwhile things. You're always on the proper route to the finish line. Nothing is worse than doing work that you don't believe is valuable.
If you can do all that, taking on consistent, high-paying, long projects with clients who trust you is a terrific way to make money as a freelancer. It's much easier than finding a limitless number of new clients for little month-long tasks.
Long, complicated jobs are also those with the most significant demand for the most valuable skills. For example, suppose a newly funded startup invests $100,000 in a year-long project. In that case, the user experience and market fit are very important to them. They are concerned with conversion rates, brand positioning, and fine-tuning user flows. They must find someone they can rely on to handle all of the critical aspects they may be unaware of, let alone neglect. The project is too large, and the stakes are too high to let things slide. You want to be the one who walks them through it. That is nearly priceless to them.
Compare that to a $2,000 marketing site you can whip together in weeks. There are thousands of others capable of creating a $2,000 website. There isn't enough room in that market to distinguish your expertise from the competition. And there isn't enough risk or return for the client to insist on only the best people.
Takeaway lesson
The more significant a project is to your client, the more they should value your advice. Find the sweet spot between large, complex projects and the job that best fits your abilities and schedule. If you strike the correct balance, you will be rewarded with more money and greater peace of mind.