Saying “yes” to every request you receive at work, even if it inconveniences you or you can’t handle the task, can quickly lead to burnout and anxiety that will negatively impact performance.
For hungry freelancers, it can be hard to turn work away. But in the long run, saying no to a project that’s a bad fit will make you a better freelancer. This article will help freelancers and consultants think critically about when to decline an opportunity or request and how to do so assertively but kindly.
A lot of feel-good life advice encourages us to say yes to new things whenever we can. This philosophy of openness can sound pretty enticing when you’re a freelancer or consultant just beginning to stand tall on your own or riding a high of a string of good projects.