TIL that saying no to some gigs made my freelance life better

I used to grab every project that came my way... thinking more work meant more security. After burning out on a low paying job with crazy demands, I saw that being picky actually helps. Now I only take on clients who value what I do and pay on time. It's weird how less work can lead to more steady money and less stress...

3 comments

3 Comments

mason.brian4d ago

I had a web design client, a local bakery, that paid $300 for endless revisions and weekend calls. After I finally said no to that kind of work, I landed a steady gig with a small tech startup that pays four times as much for half the hassle. My dumbest rule now is if a client complains about my rate before we even start, I walk away. It filters out almost all the bad jobs. My bank account is happier and I actually like my work again.

the_ivan3d ago

Disagree with the idea that turning down work always pays off. @mason.brian's method of ditching clients over rate talks makes sense, but I stuck with a few who negotiated hard at first. They ended up giving me regular, better-paid work once they saw what I could do. Missing those early chances by being too picky can really limit your options.

cora_mason732d ago

Clients who nitpick rates can surprise you later. One guy argued my concrete quote down, then posted pics online that got me five new jobs. Now I hear them out more often, lmao.