Setting Boundaries for a Successful Career
Remember the excitement of landing a new client? The great call is where you align on their needs, agree on rates, and establish your work style. Yet somehow, as the project progresses, it feels like the client is trying to take over. Suddenly, they expect you to work exclusively on their project, show up at their office, or use their tools. Maybe they demand instant responses and immediate revisions, disrupting your workflow.
Setting boundaries isn’t just a helpful skill—it’s essential for building a sustainable and successful freelance career.
In our previous article, we explored proactive tips on how to master your client’s relationships, in this article, we will delve into reactive strategies to implement for your mental wellbeing.
Recognizing the Signs of Overreach
They may ask you to complete minor tasks, and you might find yourself overwhelmed with work without being fairly compensated for it. Additionally, they may unexpectedly put your photo on their website and list you as a team member.
Initially, these demands may seem manageable, but over time, you’ll realize you’re focusing on one project, being treated like an employee while being paid as a freelancer.
The first step to setting boundaries is to recognize where your barriers have been violated.
Here are some common red flags that indicate a client might be overstepping:
“Unpaid Bills”: A clear sign of disrespect is when a client delays or avoids payment for completed work. Freelancers deserve timely compensation, and persistent payment issues can indicate a lack of professionalism or financial instability on the client’s part.
The “Always On” Expectation: Clients who expect instant replies, regardless of your availability.
Scope Creep in Disguise: Innocent-seeming “small” additional tasks that pile up without fair compensation.
Blurred Professional Lines: Requests that push the relationship into personal territory, such as using your personal tools or making unrelated demands.
The Office Requirement: Clients who expect you to work from their office or make yourself “available” for certain hours as if you were a full-time employee.
Being aware of these signs is crucial to maintaining control over your workload and protecting your professional boundaries.
Let’s dive deeper into how to handle these situations effectively.
Responding to the situations tactfully
It’s critical to handle the matter professionally and delicately when a client starts to cross your boundaries. The following are some ways to handle different types of overreaches without destroying the relationship:
- Address Unpaid Bills Assertively
When a client avoids or postpones payment, it’s one of the biggest warning signs in freelancing. The following is how to handle it professionally:
Remind them to make the payment: Make reference to your invoice and specify a precise due date.
Explain the repercussions: Remind the client of your contract requirements if payment is still overdue, or suggest other actions, such as stopping work until payment is paid.
For instance: “I wanted to remind you that last week was the due date for Invoice #123. Could you confirm the expected time of payment processing? We agreed that after the payment is received, work on your project will start up again.”
Unpaid invoices don’t have to interfere with your productivity when you use Freeberry. Our software streamlines the invoicing process and guarantees that your clients receive professional, lucid invoices that include VAT if required.
2. Clearly define your expectations regarding availability
It’s critical to express your availability clearly and concisely if a client wants you to answer right away or work past your scheduled hours. Here’s how:
Reiterate your working hours: Kindly let the client know that you are available on certain days or hours and that important issues should be handled during certain times.
Establish guidelines for after-hours communication: If a client messages you outside of your prearranged working hours, let them know that you will respond the next business day.
Example:
“Thanks for your message! I am available to discuss this between 9 AM and 6 PM on weekdays. If it’s urgent, please let me know, and I’ll prioritize it during my working hours.”
3. Deal with scope creep in a professional manner
It’s crucial to remind clients of your initial conditions and establish fresh expectations for each extra work they request that goes beyond the predetermined scope:
Recognize the request and specify its parameters: Explain politely that the new task is outside the scope of the previously agreed-upon work and offer to draft a new proposal or contract for the extra work.
Stress the value of just recompense once more: Make it apparent that to maintain a high grade of work, extra jobs will need to be modified in terms of scope, timetable, or remuneration.
For instance: “I’m pleased to assist with this request! I would be pleased to talk about how we can move forward and draft a revised proposal to account for the additional work, though, as this is outside the purview of our current agreement.”
4. Maintain Professionalism When Working from the Office
If a customer demands that you work on-site or from their office, it’s important to remind them of the conditions of your freelance contract, which probably include flexible scheduling and remote work:
Describe your workplace environment: Remind them politely that you are a freelancer and that you are unable to work from their office because you are working remotely.
Provide a substitute: Provide ways to accomplish the same goals without sacrificing your boundaries, such as setting up a virtual conference or utilizing remote collaboration tools.
For instance: “I recognize your preference for face-to-face communication, but since our contract stipulates that I must operate remotely, I will continue to offer my services in this manner. To talk about any in-person requirements or issues, we can arrange a video conference.”
5. Use a Contract to Formalize Boundaries
One of the best ways to prevent overreach from the start is by having a well-defined contract. Include specifics about your working hours, scope of work, and response times. If issues arise later, you can refer to the contract to reinforce your boundaries.
The Emotional Toll of Boundary-Pushing Clients
While working with clients can be fulfilling, boundary-pushing clients can take an emotional toll. The constant pressure, unrealistic expectations, and disregard for your time and expertise can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. As a freelancer, you’re not just managing projects, but also your own well-being and mental health.
In the previous article, we explored the topic of 10 productivity hacks and how to maintain your well-being.
In the current one, we wanted to highlight the importance of prioritizing your mental health and are hoping that the following statements will help.
- Set your boundaries from the beginning:
Create a contract template that clearly outlines your terms of work. If someone provides you with their contract to sign, take the time to clarify all the terms to avoid inconveniences or potential conflicts.
Specify your payment terms and consider using tools like Freeberry for professional invoicing, whether with or without VAT. This will also help you easily track unpaid bills for timely reminders.
- Communicate with your clients openly
It is wise to be proactive rather than reactive. This means overseeing potential concerns, addressing them promptly, and proposing possible. If a client’s behaviour is negatively affecting your well-being, address the issue directly and professionally. Explain how their actions impact your work and suggest alternatives that respect your boundaries. Healthy, open communication can help prevent emotional stress from escalating.
- Prioritize your tasks and take planned breaks.
Learn how to prioritize your tasks as soon as possible; otherwise, you may find yourself in a situation where you focus on the least important things due to misprioritization. The Eisenhower Matrix is an easy and quick solution for differentiating your tasks.
Regarding breaks, some experienced freelancers recommend sticking to a schedule to avoid procrastination and maintain motivation for work.
Equip yourself with the right tools to support your boundaries
Maintaining your boundaries can be challenging, especially when clients are persistent. However, it’s important not to blame yourself – you’re already doing a great job, and we are proud of you.
There are many tools available to help you secure your position and avoid potential conflicts. For issues like unpaid invoices or requests for additional services, Freeberry can assist you by providing a platform where you can easily create professional invoices, list all the services you have provided and track all unpaid invoices in one place.
Using professional invoices will present all relevant information about payment terms to your clients and enhance your prestige as a professional.
Conclusion
Setting boundaries with clients is a crucial ability for any independent contractor. It guarantees that you are valued and adequately compensated for your knowledge in addition to promoting a good work-life balance. You may build a long-lasting freelance profession without sacrificing your well-being by identifying the warning signals of overreach, handling the emotional toll, reacting diplomatically, and using the appropriate resources.
You are your own company when you work as a freelancer. Your clients will treat you with the decency and professionalism that you deserve. With its easy-to-use contract management and invoicing features, Freeberry’s toolkit is here to help you keep control over your job and your boundaries. You can successfully negotiate even the most difficult client relationships and establish a freelance business founded on balance, respect, and open communication if you take the appropriate approach.
Start invoicing professionally with Freeberry today!
