Dreaming in Systems: Building Toward Freelance Independence - Megan Boshuyzen

Careers in email tend to unfold more like a long-running campaign than a single launch. You test, adjust, learn from what didn’t quite land, and slowly build something stronger over time. As part of the The Email Freelancer Pathways Project, Megan Boshuyzen shared her experience moving through design, development, and increasingly technical roles — shaped by curiosity, systems thinking, and a growing confidence in her expertise. Her contribution is a thoughtful look at how depth is built over time, and how constraints can become a creative advantage rather than a limitation.

What brought you into email, and what experiences have shaped how you see the industry today?

I was a graphic designer who had email on her plate as part of my responsibilities. Then I ended up with a role that was half front-end web and half email. I fell in love with the email aspect. I love working within strong rules and constraints -- too much flexibility is a nightmare for me and I thrive being creative within known rules, like ISP/inbox constraints.

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Which roles have influenced how you imagine your future career?

I keep getting pulled deeper into the technical, developer side of things. I'm currently a Development Lead. I love working within systems, and as AI gets bigger, I think we're going to have to learn how to create more robust email design systems that can be used with AI to speed up email development. Keep hands on the main code/components, let AI put it together (haven't experimented with this yet, but working towards it)

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If you let yourself dream fully, what would running your own thing look and feel like?

I'd have really fun clients who fill my cup and listen to me as a subject matter expert and are partners in good email. they'd understand what good design/development looks like and trust me as a partner in achieving that for their program.

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What fears, limitations, or practical concerns make the leap feel out of reach right now?

inconsistent paychecks, self motivation, insurance (yay USA), being responsible for all the things

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What steps — even small ones — are you taking to test the waters or build confidence?

I've tried freelancing in the past and have honestly failed every time. I think part of the issue was maturity. I'm much more confident now in my skill set. I've taken a role at an agency to get client work experience.

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Growth Happens Between the Tests

Megan’s contribution to the The Email Freelancer Pathways Project is a quiet reminder that in email — and in careers — iteration is not failure. Things not working out on the first (or second) attempt doesn’t mean you got it wrong; often it simply means the timing wasn’t right yet. What matters is the courage to keep refining, keep learning, and keep showing up with more clarity each time. In an industry built on testing and resilience, choosing to try again is not only normal — it’s brave.

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Add Your Voice!

This interview is part of The Email Freelancer Pathways Project, a series documenting the many different paths into email.

Through a short survey, I’m collecting experiences from email professionals to make these career journeys visible — and to help advocate for better access to the tools people are expected to master.

If you work in email in any capacity, your experience matters.

👉 Take the survey here!

📩 Connect with me on LinkedIn or send a message.

With Love from Vancouver
Annett
Founder, EmailBoutique.io

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