Should You Ever Turn Down Work as a Freelancer?
As a freelancer, turning down work can seem really difficult. Not only are you reducing your potential earnings, but you’re turning away clients you’ve worked hard to reach. But you should never feel pressured into taking on work. After all, isn’t freedom the whole point of freelancing? So, if you’re having doubts about a new job offer, we’ve got some pointers to help you decide whether you should turn down work, and the best practices for doing so.
When Should You Turn Down Work?
There are several instances where it’s best to turn down work. As some general rules, you might want to consider turning down a client:
- When you already have enough work and taking more on could lead to stress. You may feel pressured not to let a client down, but explaining why you are unable to work will always be better than taking on work you can’t manage. Burning out or delivering work that isn’t up to your client’s standards (or yours) will be far more damaging.
- If you’re experiencing any illness or other personal circumstances that will affect your ability to work. There come times in our lives when it is best to take some time off. In these situations, explain what you can to your clients and give yourself the time you need. No job is worth sacrificing your mental or physical well-being!
- If the project is outside your expertise or interests. While it’s great to step out of your comfort zone, sometimes the risk outweighs the reward. If a client wants you to complete a technical project and your niche is creative work, for example, it might be best to pass it on to someone better suited.
- If the work doesn’t align with your values or long-term goals. Sometimes, a project might pay well, but it doesn’t resonate with your personal or professional vision. Taking on projects that don’t align with your principles can feel unfulfilling and distracting from your larger goals.
In these situations, saying no is not only acceptable, but also advisable! It’s always better to turn down work than accept a job you can’t manage and risk getting negative feedback.
Clients to Avoid
While you may be concerned about letting down trusted clients, in some cases there are clients worth avoiding altogether. These include:
- Untrustworthy clients. If a client has given you any reason to distrust them, walk away. Look out for the warning signs of freelance scams. It’s worth losing a client to prevent the headache of becoming involved with someone you have a bad feeling about.
- Clients who are unwilling to agree on a reasonable brief. If a client is unable to clearly outline their expectations or keeps changing the requirements, it’s a red flag. A well-defined project scope is crucial for setting boundaries and delivering quality work.
- Clients who expect an unreasonable turnaround time. Some clients don’t understand that you are juggling the work of multiple clients at once. Don’t let a client push themselves to the top of your list or put you under stress simply because they’re demanding a faster turnaround than is humanly possible.
- Clients who refuse to sign contracts or offer proper documentation. This may indicate they are not committed to following through on payments or respecting your work.
- Clients with unrealistic budgets. If a client is constantly pushing for lower rates, even after you’ve explained your pricing, it’s a sign that they don’t value your work properly. Standing firm on your rates helps maintain the integrity of your business.
Avoiding these kinds of clients will save you a lot of stress down the road, letting you put the right clients first.
How to Turn Down a Client Politely
Once you’ve decided that you want to turn down work, you’ll need to consider how to do so. To say no without risking your reputation:
- Begin by thanking the client for their interest. This will show the client that you care about their proposal even if you can’t take them on.
- Explain your reasons honestly. Telling the client why you are turning down the offer will help them understand your decision. However, if your reasons may appear rude or are personal in nature, you are not obligated to share details with the client. A general reference to personal obligations is sufficient.
- Point the client towards someone that can help them instead. Referring a client will show that you’re willing to assist them even when you’re not working for them. They’ll be more likely to come back to you in the future because of this, plus your network will appreciate the referral. But keep in mind, you do not need to do this if you have noticed warning signs of a scam in the client’s communication.
- Be polite and considerate. This means contacting the client as soon as you know that you won’t be able to take them on. Should they have any further questions, continue to be friendly and professional.
Though you may not be taking the client’s work now, they should leave the exchange feeling welcome to approach you again in the future. If you follow these tips, you should be able to turn down work as a freelancer without jeopardizing any of your future business.
Email Template and Examples
Below is an email template you can use as a starting point when turning down freelance work:
Hi [Client’s Name],
Thank you for considering me for [Insert Project or Job Title Here]. I appreciate the opportunity. After careful consideration, I’ve decided not to move forward with [Insert Specific Details, e.g., the project, the role, etc.]. I want to ensure you get the best outcome, and I believe someone with more expertise in [Insert Specific Area Here] would be better suited.
Optional: If you’d like, I can recommend [a person, agency, or resource] who might be a good fit. Please let me know if you’d like me to make an introduction.
Thanks again for reaching out, and I hope we can connect on a future project that aligns more closely with my expertise.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Below are some examples of the template in action.
Example: Content Writing Project
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for considering me for the content writing project. I appreciate the opportunity. After careful consideration, I’ve decided not to move forward with this project. I want to ensure you get the best outcome, and I believe someone with more expertise in SEO-driven long-form content would be better suited.
If you’d like, I can recommend a writer I’ve worked with previously who specializes in high-impact content for digital marketing. Please let me know if you’d like me to make an introduction.
Thanks again for reaching out, and I hope we can connect on a future project that aligns more closely with my expertise.
Best,
Alex Johnson
[email protected]
Example: UX Design Project
Hi Mark,
Thank you for considering me for the UX design project. I appreciate the opportunity. After careful consideration, I’ve decided not to move forward with this project. I want to ensure you get the best outcome, and I believe someone with more expertise in mobile-first UX design would be better suited.
If you’d like, I can recommend a designer I’ve worked with previously who specializes in intuitive, user-focused design. Please let me know if you’d like me to make an introduction.
Thanks again for reaching out, and I hope we can connect on a future project that aligns more closely with my expertise.
Best,
Alex Johnson
[email protected]
Example: Bookkeeping Project
Hi Emma,
Thank you for considering me for the bookkeeping project. I appreciate the opportunity. After careful consideration, I’ve decided not to move forward with this project. I want to ensure you get the best outcome, and I believe someone with more expertise in advanced accounting software and financial reporting would be better suited.
If you’d like, I can recommend a bookkeeper I’ve worked with previously who specializes in comprehensive financial management for small businesses. Please let me know if you’d like me to make an introduction.
Thanks again for reaching out, and I hope we can connect on a future project that aligns more closely with my expertise.
Best,
Alex Johnson
[email protected]
Becoming A Freelancer
Knowing when and how to turn down freelance work is an important skill that will help you grow your career sustainably and maintain strong client relationships. If you want to further develop your freelance skills and expand your service offerings, check out our full range of courses.
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