Burn Your Portfolio: Stuff they don’t teach you in design school, but should

110. “Being Your Own Boss,” Whatever That Means

Whoever coined the phrase “be your own boss” probably never was one. As a freelancer or business owner, you certainly don’t have to ask permission to take a lunch. But don’t fool yourself into thinking that “you are your own boss.” In fact, as an owner of a successful graphic design business, not only am I not really my own boss, I have about 30 bosses! Every active client we have determines my professional future. Each of these bosses has the right to demand things from me and my team. Sure, you can say “no” to your clients—you can say “no” to your employer, too. But if you say “no” to your clients or your employer too often, they will certainly go looking for someone else who will say “yes.”