Freelancers Are Relearning the Power of Saying No

[madmax]

More freelancers are admitting they feel anxious saying no, often due to past criticism or fear of losing work. Coaches warn this leads to taking bad-fit projects, tolerating unreasonable requests, and draining the autonomy freelancing is meant to provide.
The emerging concept of NO-energy reframes “no” as a tool of protection — helping freelancers filter work, protect integrity, and strengthen relationships that actually matter.

[Rimon Khan]

Saying no is hard, but burnout is harder.

[Nahid Hossen]

Freelancers thrive when they stop accepting every gig.