How To Know When To Say 'No' When Your Livelihood Depends on 'Yes'
Photo by Erica Raxworthy
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How To Know When To Say 'No' When Your Livelihood Depends on 'Yes'
Working as a freelance creative can be exhilarating, freeing and, most of all, fulfilling. Especially when passion projects come to fruition and you send your idea into the world to help inspire others. But what about those times when projects come your way that are, well, less than? It’s a fine (and sometime difficult) line to draw when deciding which projects to add to your oftentimes already over-scheduled schedule.
Not to mention it becomes easy to get caught up in the do-all be-all cycle of a freelancer, which can quickly led to burnout and creative depletion. So how do we choose an emphatic “yes!” or otherwise a resounding “thanks, but no!”? It may certainly have a lot to do with where you are in your freelance journey, but here are a few general thoughts (guidelines even) to use to gauge your readiness to add to your project pile.
Limited energy is OK
Sometimes acknowledging that we have limited time, energy and creative thought is necessary. Because when we use energy for one project, we deplete said energy from elsewhere. It’s a puzzle that is constantly taking on a new shape, so refiguring where all the pieces fit is part of the game. And remember, busyness as a freelancer is usually a positive thing—it means projects and creativity are flowing. While there will always be an ebb and flow to our work, it’s how we approach business proposals that can help or hinder our creative side. But when all else fails, prioritize! A simple pro and con list, a little forward thinking and a dose of healthy honesty will guide you to make the best decision for you and your creative business.
Take a litmus test
We, as creatives, tend to be excitable. Yes? Yes! So every new idea might seem like an automatic positive opportunity, especially at first glance. But be sure to take a moment and assess—take a litmus test, if you will. Gauge what this project will add to your portfolio, how it will help better you and your career and if you need it (and/or the money).
Reframe the question
Perhaps a singular “no” is better but not best. So, reframe the question to what would suit your needs in this particular instance. It may not be saying “yes” to the project in its entirety, rather suggesting a modified version that will still keep you engaged and involved but on a smaller scale.
Written by Wellness Editor Brooke Klauer on behalf of Clementine