Hopefully, this article does not come across as negative, or that I hate my clients. Quite the opposite is true, and I am grateful for, and appreciate the people who have trusted in me enough to do business with me. This article is rather a lesson and a debriefing for not only myself but for other aspiring web designers or freelancers as well.
And if you are a client or individual who hires freelancers and developers, but insists on doing things the "old fashioned" way or who uses the following approaches, I would welcome your comments for discussion. I believe that foundational elements are good in business practice but that these practices are not always "done" as easy as it is for us to talk or write about them. The truth is that "growing” requires a bit of pain.
I also understand that a lot of people have a mentality of "that's just the way it is" and "deal with it" approach. I don't believe that. As a professional, it's important to address and confront these issues for better understanding and more productive, happier working relationships.
How I Got Here
Well, I never woke up one day and just said "I'm going to be a web designer when I grow up!" The truth is that I just fell into it. Back in the early 2000’s I was working for a small but effective family-owned real estate brokerage and investment office where I had a few different responsibilities that included updating MLS listings, processing loans, helping everyone else in our office with their IT, as well as doing a lot of research, and managing our direct mail and internet marketing. At that time, a lot of things were relatively new in the web development field so I leaned into it to develop my abilities. Naturally, this led me to studying design, HTML, CSS, and internet marketing sales funnels.
Then in 2007-2008 the economy took a dive. The people I was working for started taking a different direction.
I wasn’t sure the direction that I wanted to go in, but online marketing and building websites seemed to be an in-demand service. And, since I had learned a lot about it and felt confident in my abilities, I just transitioned into it and started picking up projects on Craigslist. At first, it seemed to be a no-brainer, I reached out to a few people who were looking for help and bam! I had some work to do. But as I’ll explain later in this article, I couldn’t have been more mistaken.
Fast forward a few years, and here I am.
It’s 2025 when I’m posting this article.
For context, I had originally drafted this up in 2017. That's how long this idea and feeling has been brewing. I’m still doing web design many years later, and it’s time to make a change.
Truth is, I feel like in another life I probably would have been a ceramics teacher, or an outdoor guide. Lately, I’ve even come to realize that I would probably do well as an investigator or held some sort of operations-type job. I love researching, planning, and organizing information so that it’s easy to understand and make logical decisions. However, I’m too much of a non-conformist and I don’t do too well with following blind social norms, bureaucracies, or corporate communism to follow a traditional career path and work "within an organization" so I chose a different, more autonomous path.
Ironically, I’ve always felt like this desire to be autonomous is one of the main reasons why I fell into “web design and development”.
My Core Values
Below are some of my basic Core Values that I embrace when it comes to my work/job/career/business.
- Allows me to work on my own time from any location.
- Puts me in a position to be able to help people.
- Grants me the privilege to spend a lot of time with my family.
- Requires little to no traveling for work to get done.
- Long term is an exciting career.
- Provides me with a salary to earn MORE than "just enough to survive".
You may be thinking... web design and freelancing provide that!!
And yes, I would agree.
What is interesting, is that on a surface level, being a web developer HAS met all of those requirements for me. Which is probably why I’ve stuck with it for so long.
So Why Quit Now?
Because there is a darker side that comes with experience. The more familiar you become with something, the more you can realize how much it's flawed.
And with that being said, in no particular order, here are some of my reasons for quitting web design...
Not Scalable
This is a tough career to make ends meet. Especially when freelancing, simply trying to reach 6 figures is very challenging. If you have ever tried as a one-man shop to prospect for enough leads to produce inquiries, respond, be helpful, schedule meetings, write proposals, close deals, and deliver on enough projects in a year, at a price point that will produce a minimum amount of revenue in a year that will result in a net income that is more than enough to support and care for a family - then you know exactly what I’m talking about when I refer to the “feast or famine” cycle.
The next logical step would seem to be to hire employees and build an agency team. But you have to ask yourself, are the margins really worth it? And at that point, I would likely not even be doing web design or development anyway because my role would shift from creator and builder to being an owner or full-time project manager.
For me, making the numbers work has been a non-stop, uphill battle.
I’m Not an “On-Demand Plugin”
This one really gets to me. For some reason, many clients seem to think they can just disappear when they don’t need my help, essentially ghosting my every inquiry as to what is coming up on their roadmap. And then, without a retainer or notice, they just suddenly reappear out of nowhere with “urgent” requests.
It is funny though, how when the tables are turned, and I have made other commitments or am the one doing the ghosting, how tempers flare. I get it, people have priorities, but this behavior is one of the main reasons it also makes it difficult to scale, or be truly autonomous.
Scope Creep Kills Me!
No matter how many times I’ve outlined and mapped out a project, or provided a clear definition of what I will do... there is always scope creep. “Just one more thing” or “Should only take a few minutes” or “It’s easy” are all too common statements that have cost me hundreds of hours, many tens of thousands of dollars, and sunk opportunity costs. Just like I don’t have the capacity to be “on-demand”, I also don’t have the capacity to accommodate every scope creep request, especially when it's expected for free.
Too Subjective
A lot of clients will get caught up on designs before they focus on functionality and producing results from their website. This often turns into an endless feedback loop about colors and “fun” vibes rather than driving traffic and sales to a site that just works, is objective, and allows its users to transact from A-Z. This subjective feedback just naturally leads to more (you guessed it) scope creep.
Unrealistic Expectations
Ever hear of Fiverr? Yeah, well, you can’t build a decent website for $5. Nor can I make your ugly website mobile for $5. And that AI feature you want your WooCommerce store to have, where it just reads your customers' minds and sends them exactly what they want delivered by drone, is not quite available yet either. And that is definitely not going to be $5, nor $100, or even $1000 or $5000 to accomplish. Unrealistic expectations again lead to scope creep and many unnecessary conversations and a use of my mental energy that just causes stress.
Too Many "Unproductive" Meetings
Notice how I said "unproductive". This usually happens when people won't give an agenda for their meeting requests upfront or don't follow the advice that I give them during the meetings we have. Also, there are those who just want to "control" the meeting and make it a one-way process - which usually means... me listening to them talk, and agreeing with them, oftentimes about things that have little or nothing to do with the project. On top of it, I use up my time and resources to travel across multiple states or cities to get there, etc. This may just be a lack of understanding or willingness on my part, but it seems from my experience that there is a certain personality type in business culture that simply loves the "control" they get with face-to-face meetings. It's not simply about being face-to-face, it's that at some point they have learned management and persuasion skills that position them as the "boss" and they want to live up to that. To them, the project details matter little, they just want to know that you are "willing to go the extra mile" to secure their opportunity.
Sorry folks, but I'm more interested in laying out the roadmap to get this project done and I could care less about how your hair is combed, what type of shoes you are wearing, or if I should make and hold eye contact with you throughout every sentence.
Too Few "Productive" Meetings
With all the tools available out there right now, there is absolutely no reason why projects shouldn't be able to move forward smoothly and easily without even needing to have an “in-person” meeting. I've found that it's harder to get clients to take 15-30 minutes to create a "punch list" in a project management tool like Basecamp or Trello, than it is to ask them to take 2 hours out of a day to drive, meet, and chat at a Starbucks about stuff totally unrelated to the project. Maybe it's just me but this makes no sense and is very frustrating.
Scattered Communication
This goes right back to my point about using project management tools. Now I know it's convenient and everything to have a million and one ways to get in contact, but this becomes an issue when as a freelancer you have many different clients choosing to contact you or send requests in ways that are most convenient for them. For example, I have had endless email strings, text message requests, voicemail, and even handwritten letters sent in the mail for website updates or requests. Now, while this is not a bad thing that people are contacting me to ask for work to get done, it presents more than one issue. The first is that it makes it extremely difficult and time-consuming for me as an individual service provider to keep track of every single request.
Too Many "Pickers"
Those who call and ask a bunch of questions but never do anything. I have another post on this called "should I charge you for that proposal?" Come on people! I need to eat too. I can't spend hours and hours creating proposals, researching projects, and then handing you an $8000 proposal only to have you never reply again or call me months later for a different one. It's not cool okay.
Gentleman's Agreements Don't Cut It
Can't tell you how many times I've done jobs for less or had hassles with getting paid because clients have been friends, or got me excited about their projects with hopes of future pay or benefits. It rarely works and the “memories” of otherwise very smart people tend to mysteriously become less effective when it comes down to payment and project scopes.
It's Actually Quite Boring
Seriously who wants to stare at a computer screen all day and write HTML code and align pixels! I'm an outdoors person and I love being in the hills and mountains, snowboarding, mountain biking, walking, hiking, and a number of other adrenaline and heart-pumping activities.
Not to Mention...
- The intense study required to stay on top of things and become better. – The web design industry moves fast, and staying relevant means constantly learning new tools, frameworks, and best practices. Keeping up with these trends takes hours of self-study, training, and adaptation, all of which can be mentally exhausting. Unlike other careers where skills plateau, web design requires ongoing education just to stay competitive.
- Expected to work miracles and play every position, especially on smaller teams. – Many clients and small teams expect a web designer to wear multiple hats—developer, marketer, SEO expert, UX designer, and project manager—all while delivering results quickly and efficiently. The reality is that these roles require separate skill sets, and juggling all of them leads to burnout and unrealistic expectations. A single person can only stretch so far before quality starts to suffer.
Very Little Gratitude
With many clients over the years it has often felt like that as long as people are pleased with performance or want something from me, they are very responsive and willing to communicate. However, the moment I can’t solve ALL of their (sometimes unrealistic) web problems or design desires, the behavior shifts to ignoring and ghosting. There's often little recognition for the hours spent researching, troubleshooting, refining details, or making adjustments to accommodate shifting needs. Many clients only care to see the final result. They don’t want to hear about not the effort, expertise, or problem-solving behind it. This lack of acknowledgment can be draining, making it feel like no matter how much effort is put in, the appreciation is fleeting—if it comes at all.
Hyper-Competitive
It's too easy these days for people to post a job on Craigslist, Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal, Freelancer, or any other "freelancer platform" and get 100 responses in an hour. This flood of freelancers, many of whom underprice their services just to land a gig, devalues the industry as a whole. Clients often prioritize the cheapest option rather than the most experienced or qualified professional. This race to the bottom makes it difficult to justify fair pricing and compete with unrealistic expectations set by bargain-priced services. Additionally, the perception that "anyone can build a website" leads to potential clients underestimating the skill, strategy, and effort required to create something effective and sustainable.
Non-Participatory Clients
These are the type of people that just want and expect their projects to miraculously come to be, yet they get frustrated with having to actually provide anything for their website whether it is content, images, or feedback. They assume that hiring a web designer means they can be completely hands-off, without realizing that a successful project requires collaboration. Without proper input, revisions drag on endlessly, expectations become misaligned, and the project stalls. This lack of engagement not only slows down progress but also creates unnecessary stress and frustration, ultimately leading to a subpar result for both parties.
Negative Feedback from Friends and Extended Family
It's frustrating when the people closest to you don't understand the risks and challenges of building something on your own. Instead of encouragement, you're met with skepticism, doubt, or the classic "Why don't you just get a real job?" It’s exhausting having to constantly justify your career choices to those who should be your biggest supporters. While constructive feedback is always welcome, sometimes, all you really want is for someone to acknowledge the effort, resilience, and passion that goes into making this work.
Cut-Throat Competition
In case you didn't notice we have been in a global economy for a long time now and the industry is flooded with individuals who may lack real-world experience but still present themselves as seasoned professionals. There is no shortage of people out there that lay claims to being web designers, programmers, or online marketing experts. This saturation drives prices down and makes it harder to stand out, especially for people who don't already know, like, and trust you. Clients often opt for the cheapest option. Competing isn't just about skill anymore—it's about marketing, differentiation, and proving your value in an oversaturated field. All very time and energy consuming tasks for any one person.
Too Much Responsibility for One Person!
Sure, I might be able to do it for a while, but ultimately, I must choose between being married to my JOB or developing a real business that is scalable. Wearing too many hats can be overwhelming, and at some point, something has to give. Whether it's time, quality, or mental well-being, trying to do everything solo is unsustainable in the long run.
- Forced to cut corners – When there’s too much work and not enough time, the only way to keep up is to cut corners. This leads to rushed projects, overlooked details, and work that doesn’t reflect my best effort. It’s frustrating to know what should be done but lack the bandwidth to execute it properly.
- Cognitive overload – Juggling multiple projects, clients, deadlines, and ever-changing requirements creates mental fatigue. Constantly switching contexts drains focus and productivity, leading to mistakes and a constant sense of being behind.
- Low perception of value – Clients often don’t see the behind-the-scenes effort required to execute a high-quality project. They expect quick turnarounds and low costs, underestimating the strategy, research, and expertise needed to create effective solutions.
- Seeking deeper goals – At a certain point, making money is no longer enough. The desire shifts toward building something sustainable, meaningful, and scalable. Financial success brings new challenges: how to maintain momentum while ensuring long-term fulfillment.
- Learned hopelessness – Repeatedly dealing with difficult clients, unrealistic expectations, and project setbacks can create a sense of frustration and futility. It becomes easy to feel stuck in a cycle where no matter how much effort is put in, the same problems keep arising, leading to burnout.
So Why Am I NOT Quitting?
While the challenges of freelancing can be overwhelming, I’m not walking away. Here’s why I’m sticking with it and how I’m shifting my approach to make it more sustainable.
- Because I love this career – Despite the frustrations, web design is something I truly enjoy. I take pride in solving problems, creating functional and aesthetically pleasing websites, and seeing projects come to life.
- I can help people – My skills allow me to make a real difference for businesses and individuals. Whether it’s helping a small business grow or refining a brand’s online presence, I know my work has value.
- Not everyone is a deadbeat – While some clients can be difficult, many are professional, respectful, and appreciate the effort I put into their projects. Building relationships with great clients is one of the most rewarding aspects of this career.
- I can pick who I want to work with – Freelancing gives me the power to choose my clients. I don’t have to accept every project, and I can align myself with businesses and people who respect my expertise.
- I can choose to NOT undervalue myself – Unlike a traditional job where salaries are fixed, I have the ability to set my rates based on my experience and the value I bring. This gives me the financial freedom to grow on my terms.
- It feels great to help people with a purpose, that start to see some success – Seeing a client succeed because of the work I’ve done is incredibly fulfilling. Knowing I played a part in helping someone build their business is one of the best rewards.
- Having competition is good – A competitive market pushes me to stay on top of my game. It keeps me learning and evolving, ensuring that I continue to improve my skills and services.
- Adversity is good for me – Challenges help me grow. Every difficult project, setback, or learning curve has made me better at what I do. The struggles have forced me to refine my processes, work smarter, and become more resilient.
What's Next?
The outdated model of constantly chasing new clients, negotiating low rates, and dealing with the never-ending cycle of scope creep and energy-draining projects is not sustainable. The reality is, freelancing this way is severely limiting—not only on income but also on time, mental energy, and overall quality of life. Doing the "client dance" for small sums of money, juggling endless demands, and trading hours for dollars has no longevity. The goal now is to create something scalable, sustainable, and rewarding, both financially and professionally.
Here is a rough plan:
- Double down on who I choose to work with – Less client work means focusing on quality over quantity. By being more selective with projects, I can dedicate more attention to each client, ensuring they receive maximum value. This shift allows me to work with clients who value the work we do together and are willing to invest in long-term success.
- Raising rates – For all client work, I will adjust my pricing to reflect the time, effort, and expertise that go into projects. It’s not about demanding more, but about allowing for better focus and quality without feeling stretched thin. Cheap pricing is no longer optional. Just because I may be able to do something "fast" because I have become experienced at doing it, does not mean that it is easy. The days of underpricing projects are over. Higher rates mean fewer clients but hopefully better relationships, more meaningful work, and the ability to provide higher-quality services without running myself into the ground.
- eCommerce and conversion-focused – Moving beyond just building websites and instead focusing on how those websites perform. The goal is to help clients generate leads, sales, and long-term results, rather than simply delivering a final product and walking away. Clients don’t just need a pretty website; they need strategies, visitors, and customers.
- Productized services & retainers (such as SiteSprint.co) – I am shifting away from unpredictable project-based work toward structured, repeatable services that provide steady income. Retainer models allow for steady income while reducing the constant need to find new clients. Productized services streamline processes and increase efficiency, reducing the mental drain of custom projects.
- Digital products & consulting – Client work, retainers, and productized services still have "client problems" and an income cap. So I am shifting away from a purely service-based model by creating digital products. Trading hours for dollars is exhausting. Creating digital products such as templates, guides, and courses will allow me to generate additional income streams without direct client involvement. Consulting provides a way to leverage my knowledge without being tied to the project execution, making my work more scalable and less dependent on long hours. My goal is for this to eventually replace client project altogether.
I’m not quitting web design—I’m redefining how it fits into my overall career and sources of income. The reality is that freelancing (just like full-time jobs), as I once knew it, isn’t a long-term solution for financial stability, work-life balance, or personal fulfillment. The constant cycle of chasing clients, justifying pricing, and managing every moving piece alone is simply unsustainable. The solution isn’t to abandon my skills but to channel them into something more structured and scalable.
Moving forward, my focus will be on building systems that allow for steady income without constant stress. That means refining my offerings, choosing projects that align with my goals, and creating digital products that generate revenue without requiring hands-on execution. The goal is to work smarter, not harder—to create a career that supports my lifestyle rather than controls it. If you’re a freelancer feeling the same strain, I hope this post has given you some insight into new possibilities for growth and sustainability.
