Are you like many freelance writers and take on too much, ignoring symptoms of stress until you blow a gasket or two?
As freelancers, it can be difficult figuring out how, and when, to say no. When a job (for pay or volunteer) that you’ve had begins to feel burdensome, or a new assignment comes along that you don’t want to turn away because, really, how do you say no, do you say yes, or no?
When I begin to feel overwhelmed, I start by listing everything I do—paid work as well as volunteer. I rate each item in terms of enjoyment, satisfaction, and pay (if it’s a paying gig). It’s obvious the jobs I want to keep. More difficult is discerning which to let go, or not take on in the first place.
If I’m too busy or I simply don’t want the work, I’ve gotten in the habit of passing on jobs to writer friends in need of work, or referring potential clients to the Freelance Writers Search here at ASJA. Sometimes you want to hold onto all work that comes your way because you fear things could dry up.
Yet, if you’re too busy and are grappling with what to give up or whether to take on something new, here are a few tips that have worked for me:
- Locate that quiet place within yourself and note how you feel. Our bodies and visceral reactions say more than we know.
- How do you feel when you think about this job, paid or volunteer?
- When you discuss it with friends, listen to the tone of your voice. Is there a lilt to your sentences (meaning you’re happy)? Or is there the vague din of desperation (meaning time to say no)?
- If you don’t want to completely give up a current job, or don’t want to say no to a new one, consider delegating or getting a virtual (or in-office) assistant. It can be hard giving up power, but is ultimately liberating.
A few months ago, I was about to give up my radio show; it takes a lot of preparation and time, and for no pay (public radio and all that). I started it 15 years ago when the marketing department of a book publisher suggested I beef up my platform. I took on one guest host a few years ago, but now one wasn’t enough. I was prepared to give up the show when I found another guest host, making it possible to cut back to one show a month. Perfect. I got to keep the show and do less.
Again, when you’re too busy and on the verge of becoming busier, nothing speaks louder than how you feel, so pay attention to your actions and reactions.
A quote I recently came across on Pinterest sums it up quite nicely: When things aren’t adding up in your life, start subtracting.