I’m in a similar position where I’ve created a fantastic “job” for myself which I love and pays well, but I’m still trading time for money and it won’t last beyond myself and my efforts. I’ve been looking for ways to grow out of this system but have been struggling.

The problem I have with outsourcing design work to try to increase quantity and profits is that my business is based on very high-quality work and reputation that goes along with it. Client hire *me* for my specific expertise and professionalism — skills I’ve gained after doing this job for 18 years.

If I were to hire more junior designers to take over some of my work, they would need an incredible amount of training to bring them up to the quality my clients expect. Either that, or hire someone who has the same level of expertise that I do, but then their rate will be so high that I don’t make any profit from it.

The other problem is that I want to stay hands-on with design. I’m not a sales person. I don’t want my day to consist of managing people and acquiring clients. I want to be doing creative work. How can I grow beyond a solo freelancer and not become mostly a manager?