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The 'Assessment' Trap

A journal on shifting from “Employee Mindset” to “Founder Mindset.

Many creatives fall into what I call “The Assessment Trap” — the belief that saying yes to every unpaid test, trial, and free task is the only way to prove your worth. I used to think hustle meant over-delivering for nothing, but this mindset only drained my time, blurred my boundaries, and undervalued my skill.

I used to believe that “hustle” meant saying yes to everything. If a potential employer asked me to jump, I asked “how high?” If they asked for a free trial project, I stayed up until 3 AM making it perfect. I thought this showed dedication. I realized later it only showed desperation.

Close-up of a wooden mousetrap with a piece of cheese on a rustic table surface.

This week, I applied for a role that seemed perfect on paper. The initial response was great. Then came the “test.” They didn’t just ask for a portfolio review or a quick 30-minute task. They asked for:

  • One fully edited video ad.

  • Six social media graphics.

  • A research list of 20+ competitor links.

The old me would have panicked. I would have cleared my schedule, ignored my own business (Visual Adz), and spent a full day working for free, hoping to “win” a chance at an interview.

The new me paused. I looked at the request through the lens of a business owner, not an applicant.

  • The Cost: That is 6–8 hours of my time.

  • The Return: A chance at a conversation.

  • The Lesson: If I give away my premium product (my time and skill) for free to a stranger, why would they ever pay for it later?

The Pivot I didn’t ghost them. I didn’t get angry. I got professional. I replied with a counter-offer. I offered a smaller sample for free, or the full project for a fee.

It was terrifying to hit “Send.” There is a voice in my head that says, “You just lost the job.” But there is a louder voice—the voice of a Founder—that says, “You just saved your dignity.”

What This Means for Visual Adz

This experience reinforced the core value of my new venture. At Visual Adz, we don’t just make “pretty pictures.” We solve problems. And problem-solving is a premium service. By setting boundaries with employers, I am practicing the same discipline I will use to protect my future clients’ brands.

I am no longer just looking for a “job.” I am looking for partners. And partners pay.