Good Success vs. Bad Success

So here's a dilemma for artists: freelance and commission work brings in the money. If you have a steady flow of work, then you have a steady flow of cash. That's good, you are then a successful working artist!

The down side- commissioned work never makes it to an art gallery wall. Too much freelance work keeps you out of the galleries. At what point is it better not to be a working artist so you can focus your energies into becoming a success??

I feel like I am spending too much time away from galleries right now, but on the other hand, how can you say no to private commissions?