Can we talk about saying no? Turning down work or not auditioning for a job?
As freelancers, so much of our energy is spent scanning for the next gig. It’s how we make our living, and let’s be honest, there’s always that fear of missing out. If we don’t throw our hat in the ring for every opportunity, what if the pipeline dries up?
But here’s the thing: freelancing doesn’t mean being available 24/7. You don’t have to audition for every role, answer every client call at dinner, or say yes to every project that lands in your inbox. Saying no isn’t laziness. It isn’t weakness. It’s boundaries.
And boundaries are what keep your freelance career sustainable.
Without limits, freelancing can swallow your entire life.
When you overcommit, burnout isn’t far behind. And when you’re burned out, your creativity, energy, and quality of work all drop. Ironically, the very thing you’re trying to protect—your income—can actually decline because you’re not showing up as your best self.
Think about it: are you really more “successful” if you’re answering emails during your kid’s soccer game or sneaking out of a family gathering to take a client call? Or are you just left guilty, distracted, and resentful?
An example from my life
For my mental well-being, I need to turn off when on vacation. Otherwise, intrusive work thoughts hang over me like a shadow and I won’t be present for the vacation. And then I won’t feel rested, nor will I feel productive, so it ends up being a waste. Some voice artists bring a travel kit with them, and I understand their reasoning, but I can’t relax unless I truly leave work behind. Those are my boundaries. I will check my emails for urgent things a couple times in a day and that’s it. And it’s usually just me replying that I can’t do the thing until I get back. In order for me to be present for others in my business I need to cultivate the ability to be present for myself outside of business as well.
Clients who respect you will respect boundaries. Most will adapt to “office hours” or “I’ll get back to you after the weekend.” The few who demand urgency 24/7? Unless they’re paying you a retainer to be on-call, you don’t owe them that level of access. Letting go of those clients opens up space for healthier, more respectful working relationships.
The truth is, the world doesn’t stop if you take a day off. Your business won’t collapse. You’re not less of a freelancer if you’re not grinding 24/7. In fact, the ability to step away is a sign of a strong foundation.
So, how do you start saying no without guilt?
- Set clear boundaries. Define your working hours, your response times, and what counts as an “emergency.” Communicate them upfront, and stick to them.
- Check in with your values. Ask yourself: do I need more income, more rest, more family time, or more growth right now? Say yes to work that aligns—and no to what doesn’t.
- Practice the words. No doesn’t have to be harsh. Try:
- “I don’t have capacity right now.”
- “That’s outside my scope.”
- “I’d love to, but my calendar’s full—can we revisit next month?”
- Protect your off-time. Vacation, weekends, even a random Wednesday afternoon—disconnect fully. Silence the notifications. Be present.
- Trust your foundation. You’ve built something solid. Your work and your reputation can hold for a few days while you rest.
Here’s a challenge: take one day—just one—where you turn off the constant “yes.” No emails, no auditions, no admin. Watch how freeing it feels. You’ll realize you’re not the keystone holding up the universe—and that’s not a loss, that’s liberation.
Because in the end, saying no isn’t about rejecting work. It’s about protecting the energy that makes your work—and your life—worthwhile.
Want to hear more freelance business tips while doing something good for yourself? This article is adapted from my podcast Freelance Fitness, where I pair 10-minute workouts with real talk about the freelance life. Check it out here: https://media.rss.com/freelance-fitness/feed.xml
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