Glory
The more experienced you become, the prouder you'll become of your work. There's nothing quite like looking at a job well done and enjoying the sense of accomplishment that comes from knowing that you're really good at your craft. Beyond boosting your self-confidence, though, being an upholsterer allows for a chance to be a part of your clients' lives.
When someone brings you their grandfather's tufted winged armchair for restoration, it's more family member than furniture. They'll likely ask that you find a material as similar as possible to the original, so they can remember the times they sat on grandpa's lap as a child while he regaled them with stories of yesteryear.
They won't really mind that it'll cost extra, nor will they care that it's a frightening paisley pattern. You know from experience you won't be able to talk them out of it.
Your job is to also replace the stuffing that reeks of stale cigarette smoke, as well as a worn spring or two. The client returns a week later to pick it up, visibly worried but then instantly delighted to see the results.
You'll get to pat yourself on the back for punching their ticket down Memory Lane. Don't forget to supply the client with a stack of business cards. Glory is nice, but it doesn't bring in business like a happy customer's word-of-mouth marketing.