Comments on: 4 Ways to Set Writerly Boundaries https://wordsonpageblog.com/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html a freelance writing resource. Thu, 12 Sep 2013 19:21:11 +0000 hourly 1 By: Lori https://wordsonpageblog.com/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html#comment-12396 Thu, 12 Sep 2013 19:21:11 +0000 http://loriwidmer.com/wordsonpage/index.php/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html/#comment-12396 Dava, are you kidding? That's NUTS! That's entirely too late. They'd have caught me sleeping. No way I'd answer that!

Reminds me of a client I had who expected me to explain why I was going on vacation, and expected me to be available for a conference call mid-week (which he never did call me on). And he would send scathing emails at 12:30 AM and expect responses. Another client (a resume client) was pissed because I wasn't using IM at 11:30 at night.

Where do these people come from?

]]> By: Dava https://wordsonpageblog.com/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html#comment-12386 Thu, 05 Sep 2013 12:58:42 +0000 http://loriwidmer.com/wordsonpage/index.php/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html/#comment-12386 A very early client would call me at 11pm sometimes. It took months to realize it wasn't worth it! But, I learned the lesson and have respected my own boundaries since then!

]]> By: Lori https://wordsonpageblog.com/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html#comment-12377 Thu, 29 Aug 2013 12:56:34 +0000 http://loriwidmer.com/wordsonpage/index.php/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html/#comment-12377 Agreed, Devon. There are new opportunities that may require breaking those boundaries. The trick is knowing when it's a true opportunity versus someone just expecting you to jump when they bark.

"If you just shrug and say "no" because you're not willing to give up a few hours on a weekend for a shot at what you say is your dream job, then you don't really want it."

That's exactly right.

]]> By: Devon Ellington https://wordsonpageblog.com/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html#comment-12376 Thu, 29 Aug 2013 12:33:32 +0000 http://loriwidmer.com/wordsonpage/index.php/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html/#comment-12376 Boundaries are great. However, if an opportunity comes up — I'm not talking a typical corporate one, but one of those amazing, dream job ones, one that's above what you're doing now, but in line with your plans for the future, you also have to be willing to step up and do whatever it takes to get it done, especially if there's big money on the table.

If you just shrug and say "no" because you're not willing to give up a few hours on a weekend for a shot at what you say is your dream job, then you don't really want it.

The regular workaday assignments have strong boundaries, but when an amazing opportunity falls into my lap, I go for it (IF it's something I want — if there are red flags, I'll pass).

Especially in things like fiction or film, many of these opportunities are once and done. You don't get a second chance, and something "like" them doesn't come again. You get ONE shot. If you want it, you have to go for it.

Everyone once in awhile, the universe gives you a chance at something, and you can choose to go for it and get to the next level, or stay where you are.

]]> By: Cathy Miller https://wordsonpageblog.com/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html#comment-12375 Wed, 28 Aug 2013 20:33:49 +0000 http://loriwidmer.com/wordsonpage/index.php/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html/#comment-12375 Great comeback. I am going to have to steal a few. 😉 I especially like the idea of creating a response to the non-negotiable.

I don' work weekends. Have I made exceptions? Sure, but on my terms, and it is not something I share. Typically, if I do work a weekend, I take time off the following week. Hey, why freelance if you cannot take care of yourself?

I had one client who tried to convince me that her passion should be my passion. Translation – do work for free. My response was I was sorry my business needs were not in sync with her current needs.

]]> By: Sharon Hurley Hall https://wordsonpageblog.com/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html#comment-12374 Wed, 28 Aug 2013 17:00:50 +0000 http://loriwidmer.com/wordsonpage/index.php/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html/#comment-12374 Yes, love that – it's important to set boundaries. I've had an issue recently with a client wanting me to work unsocial hours to meet her schedule. I had to tell her I wouldn't do it. She's gone a bit quiet since then, but it's a risk I was happy to take.

]]> By: Paula https://wordsonpageblog.com/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html#comment-12373 Wed, 28 Aug 2013 16:58:16 +0000 http://loriwidmer.com/wordsonpage/index.php/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html/#comment-12373 Yes, even I have my boundaries. Its the one time not having a smart phone helps. I may work from home, but the minute I turn the computer off for the day I'm done. Occasionally that sets publicists into a panic, since they're used to people constantly checking their messages, but I'm not on salary like they are. I'll answer them when I'm back "in the office" the next business day.

]]> By: Lori https://wordsonpageblog.com/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html#comment-12372 Wed, 28 Aug 2013 15:03:47 +0000 http://loriwidmer.com/wordsonpage/index.php/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html/#comment-12372 Love that line, Kim! Definitely going to use it.

]]> By: Kimberly Ben https://wordsonpageblog.com/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html#comment-12371 Wed, 28 Aug 2013 13:47:09 +0000 http://loriwidmer.com/wordsonpage/index.php/2013/08/4-ways-to-set-writerly-boundaries.html/#comment-12371 A big 'YES' to all of these points, Lori! Boundaries are a must for freelancers. Not establishing them just sets you up for frustration, resentment, burnout, etc.

I know that at the end of the day, it's up to me to make sure I protect my own best interests. Yes, I've deviated from my boundaries before and I've almost always regretted it.

Some people have a hard time telling people 'no.' A good writer friend suggested telling clients "that's my business policy" when they start making unreasonable requests. Clients can either accept it or walk. Very cut and dry.

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