How a full-time job can help to heal from creative burnout

If I've learned anything as a freelancer, it's that you shouldn't always quit your day job.

Working as a creative in today's industry can drive even the most passionate people to burnout. While some find freedom in freelance life, I found a slippery slope back into old, unhealthy work habits.

Like many others with experience in startup environments, good 'ole agile sprints have been deeply ingrained in my methodology.

Simply put: I often had nothing left in the tank to fulfill my personal pursuits.

My creative energy went entirely toward executing my contractual obligations and staying in the black. When projects stagnated, I was pushed to take on increasingly rushed timelines and played the jack of all trades for the high price of my mental health.

My real takeaway is this: I value stability more than novelty.

I had clung to the idea that working at a single non-agency brand for 40 hours a week would be mind-numbingly dull. The thought of being stuck resizing web banners between gray cubicle walls terrified me.

(To be fully transparent, my search for accessible, affordable healthcare led me into this previously uncharted territory.)

In reality, these first few weeks working full-time as visual designer for Rugiet Health have been some of the most #creative, cultivating, and collaborative experiences in my professional career .

Now, my creative focus sticks around well after leaving the office simply because work doesn't have to come with me. Setting and respecting the work/life boundary makes for a greater chance for success and recovery.

That being said, it truly comes down to weighing your values as a person first and a professional second.

If you've made it this far - kudos. You might as well stay a little longer and check out the most recent project I've posted to my portfolio.

(SPOILER: It's a personal project <3)