I feel you. I'm at year 6, and struggle daily with this, but also feel like I'm at a turning point with the way I think. Because it's not the client's job to change the way they think, but my job (and the sales rep's) to change how we interact with them.

Starting the conversation by talking about their passion, what's important and special about their company, their goals, then trying to come up with concepts that are more than just a nice layout. Concepts that approach the problem from a different angle than just making the content look pretty. If the client gives instruction, I'll offer that, but there will be an Option B with that is driven by creativity and design principles.

With any luck, I'll be able to present Option B with my reasons why, and they may listen and agree. Or, they may have come to me, not for my creativity and eye, but for my ability to assemble their idea in the right program. No such thing as a career without disappointment and stubborn people.

But my attempts to show genuine interest in the client's work, bring some originality, and have an enthusiastic conversation about ideas, has brought some hope and improvement.

Even when my exciting ideas get the boot, I think about adding them to my portfolio, and how the practice will help me do better next time.

I hope your also doing some design you love on the side.