Find a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life. Some people turn their hobby into a job and get into freelancing. However, for many people, this kind of work doesn’t become salvation. On the contrary, it traps them in even tighter constraints due to a lack of money.

To begin as a freelancer, first set clear and realistic goals. Think about what you want to achieve through your work, what the ideal amount of money that you need, and start working toward it. But be careful not to overwork, even though you feel inspired to do so. Don’t skip breakfasts or family celebrations for the sake of work.

Another way to avoid burnout is by choosing the right client. Sometimes, especially at the beginning of your career, you’re ready to take any job that’s offered. A short and simple rule can help: BAR. Pick a client who receives big Benefits from your work, and who, therefore, is able to Appreciate your contribution. But don’t forget about Resources—specifically, the client’s ability to pay you.

Yes, you shouldn’t reject every project just because the client doesn’t fully match BAR. But it’s also good to keep the ideal in mind. Moreover, you can send your portfolio to the emails of your ideal clients, and eventually, someone will definitely agree to work with you.

Again, whether you’re picky about clients or not, sometimes things just don’t work out the way you want. That’s when you need a financial safety cushion. It’s probably not the first time you’ve heard about it, and if you still don’t have one, you really should.

Start setting money aside for it at the first opportunity—let there be a savings account where money is deposited every month. You’ll be protected from the unexpected, and your mind will be at peace. It will also give you time to grow, for example, if you decide to stop taking orders for a while to take a course and improve your skills.

But the best part of the safety cushion is that you won’t be throwing yourself into extremes, undercutting prices, or taking projects you don’t like. Again, stability and no burnout thanks to a small deposit. So, start setting aside money wisely right now!