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As a freelancer, you're probably used to the rejections piling up.

That's okay and par for the course.

But I'm here to let you know that ...there will be times when you will walk away from freelance work.

And that's when you'll know you're really running a freelance business.

Here, I wanted to share five times I had to say "no thank you" to repeat client work or decide to move on.

1. The Contract with Competitive Terms

I was thrilled to get an assignment with a promising new pet client a few years ago. I even wrote one draft for them before we settled the contract. But, once they sent over their freelancer contract, I realized their competitive terms were too restrictive.

I wouldn't be able to work with any other company in their niche industry for at least a year. (Um, no thanks!)

This was a significant limitation that could impact my future opportunities. (Think about it, if my editor got let go and the next editor didn't hire me to write for them I'd still be restricted from approaching other companies. Yuck.)

I chose to walk away, prioritizing my long-term career flexibility over immediate work. 

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2. The Low-Paying, High-Work Assignment

Another time, I was offered a series of assignments that seemed perfect for my portfolio. The catch? The pay was low, and the workload was overwhelming. 

After completing one assignment, I realized the amount of effort required wasn't worth the pay. Even though it was a good clip from a high-profile editorial outlet (which I will 100 percent use!), I decided to move on. 

I realized my time was better off spent trying to secure better, high-paying clients. 

3. The Time That Potential Client Wanted to Talk on a Saturday

I had one client approach me who was interested in bringing me on to do some work for his new e-commerce brand. He had a strong business background and he filled out my client questionnaire so I knew he'd be willing to pay my rates and upfront costs. But, he wanted to do a call on a Saturday night. (WHA...?) 

I didn't respond until that Monday morning, saying I didn't check my emails on the weekend and prefer to work within X times and days. I heard him out about the project but ultimately, it didn't seem like a good fit for me and that initial response where his expectations that work happened on the weekends made me think we wouldn't be a dynamic duo.

4. The Time a Cold Lead's Rate Was Too Low

When this happens, I always feel a little guilty turning down work I went after but, I have to decide what's best for my business. I recently responded to a LinkedIn call for introductions and sent my background to an editor via email. 

Once I found out more about what he was looking for, and the amount of writing, research, and interviews I'd need to do for that rate, I decided it wasn't a good move for my business. I tried to negotiate on the rate but the editor couldn't budge.

So I said "Let's stay in touch if something changes." 

Within two days, two existing clients asked if I could work on assignments for higher rates.

It reminded me that I can be more discerning when I'm in doubt—and let's be honest, I don't need the money to pay next week's bills. 

I try to keep in mind that quote: "Let go of the good to make room for the great."

5. The Time I Could Have Worked on a Book Project But I Was about to Have a Baby

I was approached via email by a personal finance expert who was looking for editing and writing help for his Christian finance book that he was self-publishing. I got on a call and did a trial assignment. He and his wife were very happy with my work. But, I looked at the scope and determined it would be too much stress.

I was already working for about five or six other clients—one at least 15 hours a week—and taking care of an 18-month old who wasn’t big on sleep.

I may have been able to complete the project before having my second child (and then he was almost 2 weeks late so yeah, I probably could have) but it wasn’t worth it to me.

The client was understanding and I tried to connect him with other book editors. I had to do what was best for me and my family.

Have you ever had to turn down freelance work? I’d love to hear about it in comments or a reply.

Diana

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