Surprise Projects and Corgi Instagram Captions: Why Freelancing Stays Fun
Freelancing is full of unexpected moments - and that’s what makes it so fun! In this post, I reflect on how surprise projects (like writing Instagram captions for a corgi dog) remind me of the joy that comes with variety in freelancing, even when you’ve niched down. Come laugh with me about the weirdest requests and the creative freedom that makes this work so rewarding.
Emma Gifford
4/20/20252 min read
One time, a client hired me to write Instagram captions for their corgi. Yes, a corgi. This little fluffball had a whole Instagram page dedicated to his adventures, and my job was to craft the most hilarious, charming captions from his perspective. It was the perfect mix of funny and adorable, and I couldn’t help but laugh as I typed out his cheeky thoughts.
It’s one of those stories I love to tell, and the thing is — even though I’ve definitely niched down since those early days, projects like that still find their way to me. And honestly, I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Freelancing, even when you’ve carved out your specialty, comes with these delightful little surprises. It might be a client who needs something totally different than what you usually do, or a one-off project that makes you laugh out loud. These tiny curveballs are what remind me why I fell in love with freelancing in the first place.
I mean, let’s be real. Even when we niche down and feel like we’ve found our groove, freelancing is never boring. And it shouldn’t be. One of the best parts about being your own boss is the ability to take on fun, unexpected challenges that might be a little outside your usual lane — but still a perfect fit for your creativity and skills.
Maybe it’s a corgi dog needing social media advice, or maybe it’s helping a local bakery come up with clever names for their signature pastries. Whatever it is, these little moments of variety are what keep this job from feeling like just another nine-to-five grind. They remind me that there’s always room for spontaneity, laughter, and sometimes even a little weirdness in the work I do.
So here’s the thing: if you’re in the process of niching down, don’t be afraid to leave some space for the unexpected. Those quirky projects, the out-of-the-blue requests, and the ones that make you scratch your head for a minute — those are the moments that keep freelancing fun, fresh, and rewarding. They spark joy and creativity, and they make the work feel like your work, not just someone else’s to-do list.
So here’s to the surprise projects, the weird ideas, and the clients who start their emails with, “Okay, this might be a little out there, but…” Because without them, freelancing would just be work. And who wants that? ◼️