I think the fact that you have a full-time job and are gaining direct client experience is important. Don’t disregard the experience you’re currently building, especially soft skills like communication, punctuality, teamwork, and managing upwards. All of those things will have a direct impact on how you move forward as a designer and a creative. Continue to work on things you love but make sure you manage your time. Don’t overwhelm yourself; pace yourself. Everything you do, provided you feel comfortable, I would encourage you to share. Get feedback or maybe join some online portfolio reviews and sign up for speed networking groups. The ability to test and learn is great for growth.
Are you a part of any community groups? You should search for creative or designer groups, maybe on WhatsApp or via email. Being a part of those communities can also expose you to new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to share online because that can also lead you to new communities and different opportunities.
As someone who wants to extend their creativity further, I would also make sure to be following people who inspire you. You might love their work or even want to be friends with them someday, so keep meeting people and boosting your network, especially with your peers. Use things like LinkedIn, Threads, and TikTok to reach out to people and share what you might need.
Don’t be afraid to go through trial and error on this journey. Meet people, try new things, create, and share it with the world. Mentorship will come if you join virtual programs and maybe online talks, etc. But you can also search for some things that could be local. Try both.