Don’t Work For Free, Create For Fun

How to learn stuff and get paid for it

Since 2017, I’ve always kept a “side gig” lined up next to the full-time J.O.B.

Usually ongoing projects with recurring revenue, but here or there I stumble into volunteering, sliding scale, and “low margin” opportunities. Reflecting back, those experiences were not only among the most influential, but also the ones I’m most proud of.

Here’s why and when it’s okay to work for free.

You learn about yourself when teaching others

Whoop. Woo.

The text came out of nowhere. My childhood best friend Jon was looking for help with a personal statement for his residency application.

He was studying to be a doctor.

I eagerly accepted even though I was buried underneath piles of work. A few days later, there was a draft waiting for him in his inbox.

He wasn’t shy about being critical. We iterated on a few rounds — and at some point — I had to hit pause. Our friendship was about to be tested. Just kidding.

After reviewing with a few others, we submitted the application. Months later, he confessed that he was fairly certain that no one else read it. But we did. And the process of crafting his story revealed more about my own.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Teaching is learning and learning is teaching. As Jon outlined his passions for science and medicine, I was reminded why I was willing to help him for free in the first place.

Aside from the fact that he was my childhood best friend, I truly enjoyed writing and storytelling. Even if no one was going to read this, it had to be done right. There was a clear sense of intrinsic motivation and pride.

You expand your frame of reference

Who let that guy near the design?

Two summers ago I had an existential crisis. I had worked full-time for a few years after college and bounced around a few side gigs in my spare time. But I need a project that would challenge me to scale new learning curves.

Naturally, I took my talents to Upwork. As I started clicking categories that seemed relevant — writing, editing, strategy — a moment of bravery suddenly struck. Like lightning.

I clicked yes on design and UX. I did not know much about design and UX.

A week later, someone from a nonprofit food bank in India reached out asking for help on a website content outline and wireframe. They were months behind and needed someone who could translate from Hindi to English.

Just so happens, I knew a little bit of both. And was willing to work for free.

A few weeks later I delivered what you see above. Not an expert’s work but enough to put in the hands of a developer. Don’t worry, I didn’t make a career change. But understanding the basics of how to design a wireframe helped in future collaborations.

“It is critical to understand that our frame of reference determines how we see the challenges and opportunities we face, and the type of ideas we generate. The more radically we shift the frame, the more unique the ideas we generate.” — Tina Seeling

Pursuing opportunities outside of our wheelhouse unlocks new ways of thinking. By taking a step out of the comfort zone and circle of competence, I gained an appreciation for how design works.

All the raw materials needed to build skills can be found at the tips of our fingertips. Anyone reading this can tap into the power of Google University.

You find purpose in your work along the way

I wanna be Like Mike!

My old roommate connected me with an artist a year ago. Turns out, this guy PRODUCED the jingle behind Gatorade’s Like Mike commercial.

He wanted to create an online musical memorial honoring lives lost to the pandemic. I helped bring it to life.

A few weeks went by and we had a prototype. He wanted to add more features, so we defined the project scope and hired a website developer to help. Here’s what we came up with:

“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.” — T.D. Jakes

I didn’t set out to help those grieving during COVID-19. But it ended up being on the list of projects that I’ll be most proud of 20 to 30 years from now.

It all happened by building a chorus instead of a cage.

Searching for aligned incentives, delaying gratification, and focusing on lessons learned over funds accrued allowed me to think big. Now I get to choose my clients. More importantly, I get to partner with other creators.

If you’re working for free, start creating for fun.

I lead market research at GoHealth during the day and build with other creators on weekends and nights. Let’s connect on LinkedIn!