NOT EVERYONE IS BUILDING AN EMPIRE

So many of the tips, tools, and resources aimed at freelancers are focused on business growth. Attract bigger clients. Scale with subcontractors. Expand your service offerings. Most of us acknowledge that our goal isn’t to be infinitely bigger and busier, but what’s less clear is how to know when you’ve arrived at your ideal capacity. 

Everyone has a different definition of enough, and your enough will probably change many times throughout your life. Some of us are out to explore the absolute limits of our growth potential, while others just want to supplement another income or get their needs met so they can put their focus elsewhere. 

Not everyone is building an empire — some of us are building mom-and-pop shops, sensible suburban ranch houses, or even rafts. All of these are equally valid if you approach them intentionally. It’s perfectly acceptable to shift out of growth mode, as long as you do it out of contentment rather than fear. 

How do you know the difference? How can you be sure you’re building the business you want, not the business you think you deserve? We’re so glad you asked. 

Are You Making Enough Money? 

It may feel like an indelicate question, but if you’re financially strapped, breaking even, or struggling to save, it’s pretty hard to feel satisfied with the current state of your business. All of our cultural weirdness around money conflates “freedom from financial stress” and “the pursuit of obscene wealth” in a way that can make solopreneurs shy away from very reasonable ambitions. 

If you’re feeling comfortable, it’s ok to rest in that. If you aren’t yet where you want to be financially, there are ways to get closer to your goals that don’t involve committing more and more time to your business. Look for ways to optimize your processes, and consider offering repeatable services and downloadable products so you aren’t limited to relying on high-touch transactions. 

Do You Like the Work You’re Doing? 

Are you doing the kind of work you actually set out to do, or have you gotten waylaid by the work that was the most available? 

It’s important to think practically, but it’s equally important to honor your actual vision for your business. If your dream of becoming a high-profile ghostwriter has been swallowed up by clients who want high-performing Google Ads, you’re still in the process of building the business you want. 

Say yes to the things that pay the bills (unless they threaten your sanity), but keep going. When you’ve arrived, you’ll know it. 

Are You Worried About Logistics? 

When your business reaches an inflection point, no thanks is a completely valid response for folks who are already getting what they need and want out of their current growth stage. If you’re feeling torn, however, it’s smart to investigate whether you’re avoiding taking the next step because it just feels too complicated. 

If you’re at a point where more growth requires a major change, like restructuring your business or taking on subcontractors, it’s normal to feel intimidated by new administrative, legal, and tax requirements. While it’s totally reasonable to decide you don’t want to be bothered, don’t hold yourself back due to the fear that you can’t “figure it out.” 

When doubt creeps in, look at how far you’ve already taken your business. You’re surrounded by proof that you are savvy, resourceful, and connected to a valuable support network. The next move is yours if you want it. 

Does Self-Promotion Feel Gross? 

It’s one thing to stop soliciting new business because you have enough -- it’s another to avoid it because it makes you uncomfortable. Putting yourself out there is awkward, especially when you are guaranteed to hear way more nos than yeses. 

If you still see a need to grow your client roster, mitigate the pain of self-promotion by being selective about the work you pursue. If you’re going to every networking event and submitting full creative proposals for projects you’re not even sure you want, you’ll wear yourself out and just reinforce the belief that marketing yourself doesn’t work. Be intentional, and pay attention to which opportunities make you feel genuinely excited. 

Are You Afraid of Overcommitting? 

Humans have a natural inclination to protect ourselves from failure by holding back effort. It makes sense in theory, but in actuality, “in my defense, I wasn’t really trying” has brought real comfort to no one, living or deceased. 

We tend to think of growth as these big, romantic leaps of faith when it’s completely possible (and usually preferable) to bridge the path forward one step at a time. Going “all in” requires calculated risks, but the right scaffolding can protect you from jeopardizing anything you can’t afford to lose before you’re really ready. 

Sustainable growth shouldn’t induce panic. As the architect of your business, its size is completely up to you. Don’t let self-doubt limit you, but at the same time, don’t break ground on an east wing when you really just want upgraded closets. 

Build what you want to build, and stop when you’re done. The “right” size is whatever your business happens to like when your needs are met and you aren’t in your own way.