New year, new boundaries: Build a creative career that lasts

Learn from my burnout mistakes.

The start of a new year always feels full of promise, doesn’t it? A blank slate. A fresh start. A chance to set bold goals and dive headfirst into building the life—or the career—you’ve been dreaming of.

But as we dive into these fresh starts, it’s worth remembering that our goals and dreams are best pursued with clarity, intention, and care.

Burnout often sneaks in when we’re too focused on doing it all, too quickly. I know this because I’ve been there. My first year of freelancing was an exciting time full of big opportunities, but I didn’t yet know how to navigate the business side of writing—or protect my own energy.

I was 26, living in Amsterdam after moving from London, and completely new to freelancing. I had *no* idea how to package my services, set my rates, navigate contracts with clients — or generally protect myself, my work or my worth.

I was taking on projects that were ~significantly~ underpaid, and therefore having to do too many of them to make ends meet. Perhaps unsurprisingly, my bank account wasn’t doing so well. And neither was my mental health.

Worst of all - I’d forgotten why I wanted to be a freelance writer in the first place. The joy of the process was gone.

After a year of stress, exhaustion, and financial strain, I was completely burnt out. I scurried back to the ‘security’ of traditional employment, where I remained for the three years it took me to pluck up the courage to leap into self-employment once more.

Thankfully, I was able to avoid making all of the mistakes again — and over five years later, I can’t imagine *not* being a full-time freelancer.

Burnout is never fun, but it did teach me the most valuable lesson of my freelance life: if you don’t value your time, energy, and expertise, no one else will.

The Lessons Burnout Taught Me

That experience became the turning point in how I approached my work, my clients, and my boundaries. Here’s what I’ve taken into every new year since:

1. Your worth isn’t up for debate. Pricing yourself properly isn’t just about money; it’s about valuing your time, your expertise, and the energy you pour into your work.

2. Boundaries are your best friend. Burnout happens when you say yes to too much or the wrong things. Saying no creates space for better opportunities to come your way.

3. Your health is your greatest resource. Sleepless nights and constant stress don’t make you more successful—they make you less equipped to create your best work. Rest is a priority, not a reward.

4. Every experience is a lesson. Taking on clients that weren’t willing to pay me properly taught me how to stand up for myself, negotiate confidently, and recognise the value I bring to the table.

5. Adopt the mantra: ‘All in good time’: I was under the misconception that I had to do it all, and I had to do it *all at once*. How wrong I was! The joy is in the journey… why rush it?

Starting the Year with Intention

This year, I’m focusing on balance, health, and saying yes to work that aligns with my values and goals. Consider this your offical invitation to join me in setting intentions that prioritise your well-being alongside your professional dreams.

Whatever you do or pursue, burnout isn’t inevitable. With clear boundaries, intentional pricing, and a commitment to self-care, you can protect your creativity while building a career you love.

Have you faced burnout in your creative work? What lessons has it taught you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Here’s to a year of valuing yourself, protecting your energy, and creating work you’re proud of.

Lizzie x

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