In certain circumstances, life will require you to deal with various types of people and clients. Some may appreciate your work, while others might not value it at all, seeing it as just an additional tool that doesn’t hold much worth. However, this doesn’t mean you should never work with them—after all, you’re working to earn a living, and they are part of that earning process. Therefore, patience is key.
But there are certain situations where you must be firm and learn to say no. After interacting with such types of clients, you’ll find that they use you as a means to their ends, gradually making you hate your work.
So, what are the situations where you should be firm and say no or cancel the work entirely? Remember, this isn’t arrogance or turning down opportunities, but rather, it’s about preserving your dignity and the profession you practice.
When they ask you to work for much lower rates than your usual price with no room for negotiation:
You must refuse to work at rates that don’t reflect your true value.
When they delay payment and suddenly become stingy:
If a client avoids paying on time, this is a red flag for future issues.
When they believe they know more about your profession than you do and act unbearable:
If a client excessively interferes with your work and imposes their opinions in an unbearable way, it will negatively impact the quality of your work.
When they criticize your work just to attack you or for financial gain:
You should refuse to engage with criticism that is baseless and intended to undermine you or for materialistic goals.
When they don’t respect deadlines:
A client who doesn’t adhere to deadlines disrupts your work and affects your productivity.
If you discover they are not a good person by basic or personal standards:
Avoid working with clients who don’t align with your values or who behave in unacceptable ways.
When they ask you to do something against your morals, values, religion, or society:
You should firmly say no to any work that conflicts with your ethical and religious beliefs.
If they are indecisive and listen to everyone’s opinion, which affects your work:
A client who is influenced by everyone around them and asks you to repeatedly revise the work can be difficult to handle.