Turning Down Work :: Saying No

Sometimes I have to say “no” and turn down work.  Sometimes it is because I know that with my current workload, I cannot realistically complete the job and give it the attention it deserves.  Sometimes it is because the work is outside the scope of services that I offer (even if I may be somewhat knowledgeable about it).  Sometimes it is because I do not feel that I am a good fit for the potential client, or them for me.  Almost all of these reasons seem crazy to some of my peers, both professional and personal.

“Why not just work longer hours?  Could you take on more then?”

I currently stick to a schedule and work 8 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday.  I could take on more work when my workload is heavy, if I relaxed that schedule and worked longer hours and on the weekends.  However, doing so would increase my stress level and throw off the work/life balance that I so desperately need in order to stay sane.  The industry that I work in can be very stressful as it is with deadlines, rush jobs, and a general “I needed it yesterday” urgency.  Setting boundaries and giving myself a reprieve is a necessity for me.  If I am completely stressed out and fatigued, I’m really no good to anyone and I do not think it is fair to my clients if they cannot get my best.  If I cannot give my best, I need to turn the work down.

“If you know how to do it, why not take on the request?”  It’s more money!”

As the head of a company of one, I am responsible for all aspects of my business.  There are marketing strategies and services that I do on my own for my business that I have been asked at times to do for a client’s business.  I turn it down and refer them to someone else, because although I may know a little, I am not an expert.  I would be a wolf in sheep’s clothing parading as something I am not for the sake of money.  It’s just not me.

“Whaddaya mean you aren’t a good fit?  You can do the work, right?”

Sometimes, I am just not a good fit for a client.  I know that I am not the right freelancer for everyone, in the same way that Wal-Mart is not for everyone.  Some might prefer Target or another store.  Because of my introverted nature, I operate primarily, through digital channels.  This means most communication is via email, meetings are virtual and projects are managed through an online system.  For someone that prefers meeting in person and communicating via phone primarily, I am not a good fit.  While it is true that I can perform the work that they need done, my work and communication style contradicts the way they would like to work with someone.  I am not a good fit for them and the reverse is true as well; they are not a good fit for me.

Although it seems like I am turning down money, it creates space for projects and clients that are a good fit.  It also means that the work I do for them has my full attention and they are getting my best.  Instead of having a workload that consists of projects that I don’t like because it’s a service I don’t offer; projects that are extremely stressful for me because of my introverted nature; and fatigue inducing projects that have me burning the midnight oil; I have projects that actually make