When Side Projects Become a Source of Stress

We've all been there: you take on what seems like the perfect side project. It's creative, it pays well, and it's exactly the kind of work you want to be known for. But somewhere along the way, that exciting opportunity transforms into a source of stress that follows you everywhere, even when you're not actively working on it.

This is precisely what happened to one creative who reached out to Never Not Creative's Asking For A Friend series. They'd taken on a side project that ticked all the boxes, but the emotional weight of wanting it to be perfect was becoming overwhelming.

This question was answered by Kimberlee Wells, CEO of TBWA, with extensive experience in creative leadership and understanding the pressures creatives face when balancing passion projects with professional demands, and Sabina Read, a psychologist and mental health educator who specialises in supporting the creative industry with workplace wellbeing and career transitions. Andy Wright served as host, CEO of Streamtime and founder of Never Not Creative.

Why Side Projects Can Feel More Stressful Than Day Jobs

The irony isn't lost on any of us: the projects we choose for ourselves often feel harder than the ones we're assigned. As Kimberlee explains, "When it is yours, it does become something you're far more attached to." This emotional investment, while natural, can transform an exciting opportunity into a burden.

Sabina points out a crucial distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations: "If you're too driven by what you think other people are going to think versus like is this something you really want to do, you're passionate about and like you get a chance to kind of stretch your skills or flex a muscle in something that you really wanted to do."

The pressure becomes even more intense when the project represents more than just work. As Andy notes, "What does this project represent to you? If the project represents a way to prove that you're good enough or an out from the job that you're currently in or more money... that is a really key question."

The Passion-to-Pressure Pipeline

There's a fine line between passion and pressure, and it's easy to cross without realising. Kimberlee draws a helpful parallel: "It's sort of like someone who might like cooking but they'll never want to be a chef because they don't want to have to do it."

When we commercialise our passions or add external expectations, we risk transforming something we love into something that feels like an obligation. "Maybe what you've fallen into is you started doing something you really wanted to do but now because it is being paid and because of the pressure in terms of your audience you now feel like you have to do it and you can't walk away from it," Kimberlee observes.

Learning to Say No (And When to Say Yes)

The creative industry is notorious for its "yes" culture. As Sabina puts it, "Creatives love saying yes, right? They're very rarely going to say no." But learning to decline opportunities isn't just about workload management, it's about protecting your wellbeing and maintaining your love for what you do.

Before taking on any side project, it's worth scenario planning. "You can go a few steps ahead and go like where do you think this might end up," suggests Sabina. Consider not just the immediate appeal of the project, but where it might lead you emotionally and professionally.

Separating Work from Passion

One key insight from the discussion is the importance of keeping boundaries clear. Kimberlee suggests, "Keep the side project separate to your career or your full-time job and not kind of blur the two."

This might mean choosing side projects that are completely removed from your day job, reducing the emotional overlap that can make everything feel like work. Alternatively, it could involve having open conversations with your current employer about how they might support your creative ambitions within your existing role.

Managing the Perfectionist Trap

The desire to make something "epic" can become its own prison. Andy offers a gentle reality check: "Remember that they wanted you and so they're excited to see what it is that you're coming back with... sometimes we might put far too much pressure on ourselves for what the project actually demands."

It's worth remembering that perfectionism often stems from our own internal pressure rather than external requirements. The client chose you for a reason, and while craft matters, agonising over every detail might be more about your own expectations than theirs.

Finding Support Through NNC Circles

If you're struggling with the pressure of side projects or finding it difficult to manage the emotional weight of creative work, you're not alone. Never Not Creative's Circles programme connects creatives with peers who understand these challenges. These peer support groups provide a safe, confidential space to share experiences and learn practical strategies for managing work-related stress. The monthly sessions cover mental health topics and offer ongoing community support. You can learn more about NNC Circles here.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the stress from side projects or work in general becomes overwhelming and starts affecting your daily life, sleep, or overall wellbeing, it might be time to seek professional support. There's no shame in reaching out for help, and doing so early can prevent more serious mental health challenges. You can find resources and support services in our help section.

Moving Forward with Intention

The key to managing side projects successfully lies in understanding your motivations and setting realistic expectations. Before saying yes to the next opportunity, ask yourself what it represents and whether it aligns with your current capacity and values.

Remember, you have the power to choose which projects deserve your energy and emotional investment. Sometimes the most creative thing you can do is protect your wellbeing by saying no to opportunities that don't serve you, even when they look perfect on paper. Your future self will thank you for it.