When you’re a freelancer, you might hesitate to turn down work. After all, you might often work on short-term projects, and you’ve probably heard fellow freelancers advise you not to put all your eggs in one basket. However, diversifying your workload isn’t synonymous with saying yes to every project that comes your way.
I’ll be the first to admit that I have trouble turning down work. Often, one writing project leads to another with a client, and if I’m pleased with the client and the pay, then I say yes—even if I don’t have the time. But, that strategy doesn’t always allow me to manage my workload appropriately.
So, I’ve come up with a few simple questions to consider when you’re evaluating a new project:
Do I have the time? Make sure you understand the expectations of the job offer. Tight deadlines or rigid work hours don’t work for me, so I know to turn down those projects, no matter how good they look.
Is the pay as good as it looks? Consider how much time you have to invest in the project to earn the money. I have a set hourly rate that I want to make for every project. If the project appears to pay well but is extremely time consuming, your per-hour rate might not be what you need.
Is there long-term potential for this project? Consider the long-term opportunities in any given position. Projects that offer extended or ongoing work are more appealing to me.
What do I have to give up to take on this project? If you accept the offer, will other projects be hard to keep up with? What impact will the project have on your life away from work? If squeezing a project in is going to require extra evening and weekend work (which I already do), I know I’m stretched too thin to take it on.
As a business owner and independent contractor, my goal is to establish a consistent workload that isn’t overwhelming. That balance requires turning down some potentially appealing projects. As you build your client base and referral network, evaluate your job opportunities carefully to focus on the best ones for you.
For me, the best projects are those with longer turnarounds, consistent workflow, and long-term potential. Find what projects fit best into your life to maintain the right work-life balance.