As a senior UX/UI designer with over a decade of freelancing experience in Dubai, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes.
But there’s one mistake that stands out – not because it set me back, but because it ultimately drove me forward.
And that mistake was trying to do everything at once.
The Hustle Trap: Doing It All
In the early days of my career, I was juggling six to eight projects at a time. From web design to graphic design and even web development, I took on anything that came my way. The money was good, but I was running on empty.
I had zero time for myself, and I was spreading myself too thin.
I thought that taking on more projects meant more success. But in reality, it was chaos. I was busy, but I wasn’t fulfilled. My work was scattered, and so was my focus.
A Moment of Clarity: What Do I Really Love?
One day, I took a step back and asked myself a simple yet profound question:
“What do I really love doing?”
The answer was clear – UX/UI and product design.
That’s where my passion truly lay. But realizing this wasn’t enough. I knew I needed time to level up my skills in these areas to attract the clients and projects I really wanted.
The problem was, I was too busy with other work to invest in myself.
The Power of Saying No
It wasn’t easy, but I started saying no to projects that didn’t align with my goals.
I shifted my focus from quantity to quality. This change gave me the space I needed to grow, both personally and professionally.
As a result, I began working with fewer clients, but on more selective projects. The outcome? Not only did I free up more time for other important aspects of my life, but my income also increased significantly.
Finding My Niche: The Game-Changer
The turning point came when I discovered my niche. Specializing in UX/UI and product design allowed me to sharpen my skills and stand out in the crowded freelancing market.
This was the secret to my success – becoming exceptionally good at what I loved.
It took time to find my niche, but the journey was worth it. Along the way, I built a variety of skills and uncovered my true strengths.
My only regret?
Not focusing on this sooner.
Don’t Wait: Start Now
If there’s one piece of advice I can offer, it’s this: Don’t wait to find your niche. Think about your ideal projects and start investing in the skills that will get you there today.
The best time to start preparing for your dream career is right now.
Bonus Tip: Know Your Limits
While having a wide range of skills is valuable, it’s important to find your “happy place.” High-value projects are great, and other skills can be fantastic add-ons.
But remember, you can’t be a pro at everything. So, choose wisely.
It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.
Lou Holtz
I hope this reflection on my journey helps you avoid the same mistake. By focusing on what you love and saying no to distractions, you can achieve success faster and with more fulfillment.
If you found this useful, feel free to connect with me for more insights on freelancing and UX/UI design.
