Daniel Stutz, Süpèr

Switzerland
Süpèr is a Swiss digital design studio that creates websites from concept to design to development.
sprspr.dev

The beginning

What led you to venture into freelancing initially?
While being employed, I never fully identified with the work I did and hence never gave my full self into it. I was mostly not satisfied with the results, but also didn’t care much. I didn’t feel responsible for it. Becoming self-employed gave more sense to my workday. It became more fun. It was “my” work.

How long have you been a freelancer?
13 years

Where you apprehensive or confident taking the step into freelancing?
Even though it’s pretty easy to start out as a design freelancer (in terms of infrastructure for example), it took me a while to see it as a valid option. Mostly because society in general and also my relatives see self-employment as the riskier option. Being employed is still considered the safer option by the vast majority of people. I still struggle to understand that.

Perks & Struggles

What are the perks of being the supreme ruler of your own kingdom?
Not setting an alarm in the morning. Not having to work in office rooms.

And on the flip side, what are the struggles you face?
No one else to blame.

Work-life

How is your work-life balance?
Ever changing, to be honest. But it’s one of the benefits of being self-employed: It’s up to you to do something about it.

What are the sacred tools you couldn’t do without in your daily freelancing?
I really just need a laptop with a handful of software.

Retrospective

What are important lessons you’ve collected along the way as a freelancer?
Do good (in every means) work. It will usually be recognized by your surrounding.

Future

Where do you want to be in 5 years?
Behind the counter of my Gelateria? I definitely want to get away from sitting in front of a laptop screen most of the week and balance out the mind-heavy work of programming with something physical.

Sharing is caring

Any pearls of wisdom you would like to share to anyone who is thinking of becoming a freelancer?
Just do it!

Anything else you want to share?
Really, just do it!

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