Why I Flew 130 People to France for My 30th Birthday

I Almost Forgot This Is What Freelancing Is All About

Last week, 130 of my closest friends and family flew across the world to my hometown of Lille, France, to celebrate my 30th birthday.

I'm still overwhelmed with gratitude, their presence truly was the gift of a lifetime.

And because I'm a marketing nerd, I couldn't just throw a normal party. I had to create this wild intro video where I "accidentally" sleep through my own birthday and have to skydive in to make it on time. (Yes, I actually did that.)

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Here's the best part: I played the pre-recorded video for all 130 guests, and right as it ended with me "landing" at the party, I actually drove in on a motorcycle in real life. The crowd went absolutely wild, they had no idea if what they just watched was real or if I was actually showing up live. It was the perfect blend of digital marketing theatrics and real-world surprise.

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The party was incredible. But as I was reflecting on the whole experience, something hit me: Five years ago, when I was stuck in my agency job, this would have been impossible.

Not just financially (though that's part of it). But more importantly, I wouldn't have had the time freedom to plan it, the location freedom to host it wherever I wanted, or the mental freedom to actually enjoy it without worrying about Monday morning meetings.

Here's what throwing an epic 30th birthday party taught me about why we really freelance, and why most freelancers are missing the point.

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The Real Reason We Freelance

Most freelancers talk about money. "I want to make six figures." "I want to charge premium rates." "I want financial freedom."

But here's what I realized while watching my friends dance until 3 AM in a French garden: We don't freelance for money. We freelance for moments.

The moment when you can plan a two-week celebration without asking anyone for permission.

The moment when you can fly your parents business-class because you want to, not because you have to save up vacation days.

The moment when you realize you're not just going through the motions, you're living your life.

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The Speech That Changed My Perspective

I love giving a good speech. So at the party, I wrapped things up with a quote from Avicii: "One day you'll leave this world behind, so live a life you will remember."

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As I was saying those words, it hit me: How many corporate employees could organize a 130-person international birthday celebration? How many could take two weeks off without guilt? How many could afford to be this generous with their time and resources?

The answer: Very few.

This is exactly why freelancing is actually safer than a 9-5 in 2025 - you're not putting all your eggs in one corporate basket.

I could have never done this without the freedom that comes with the way I set up my freelance business.

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The Freelance Freedom Most People Never Use

But here's the uncomfortable truth: Most freelancers don't actually use that freedom.

They work 60-hour weeks. They never take real vacations. They're so focused on "building the business" that they forget to live the life the business is supposed to enable.

They fall into the same trap I warn about in my time management guide - confusing busy work with productive work.

I was guilty of this too. For the first three years of freelancing, I worked more than I ever did at my agency job. I was "free" but I wasn't living freely.

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The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

The turning point came when I asked myself: What's the point of making great money if I never spend it on things that matter? What's the point of time freedom if I never use it for memorable experiences?

That's when I started designing my business around my life, not the other way around.

Examples:

• I don't work most Fridays (you know this from my 4-day work week strategy)
• I invest in experiences, not just business tools or material things
• I say no to clients who would prevent me from living this way.

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The Real ROI of Freelancing

The return on investment of freelancing isn't just financial. It's experiential.

ROI of my 30th birthday celebration:

• Financial: Expensive, but possible because of freelance income
• Time: Two weeks of celebration without income loss
• Relationships: Deeper connections with people who matter
• Memories: Stories I'll tell for the rest of my life

Could I have done this with a traditional job? Absolutely not.

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Your Action Step

If you're still stuck in a 9-5 dreaming of this freedom, check out my transition guide - because life's too short to postpone living it.

Otherwise, this week, plan something that uses your freelance freedom.

It doesn't have to be a 130-person international party. It could be:

• A long weekend trip without checking email in nature
• A midweek lunch with someone you love
• A spontaneous day off just because you can
• An investment in an experience you've been postponing

The goal isn't to spend money. The goal is to use the freedom you've worked so hard to create.

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The Bottom Line

As Avicii said: "One day you'll leave this world behind, so live a life you will remember."

Your freelance business should enable that life, not prevent it.

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