Accidentally Qualified: That’s A No For Me

“Accidentally Qualified” is a new advice column from Study Hall written by Sonia Weiser, a freelance journalist and the founder of the journalism opportunities newsletter, “Opportunities of the Week.” 

During the six years that I ran a newsletter about media careers and job opportunities, my Twitter DMs and email inboxes were stuffed with people seeking guidance on everything from unemployment, to pitch etiquette, to romantic relationships, to funding media projects, to mental health, and all that comes with feeling directionless or alone in this industry. I don’t know exactly how I became an “expert” on these topics: perhaps my reputation as someone who’s been in therapy for more than half their life precedes me, or after enough time on Twitter, I’ve just seen it all. One thing I do know is that I’ve made enough professional and personal mistakes over my career in media to help others avoid them.

Thanks to Study Hall, I can now answer some of these questions publicly. Questions can be submitted through our anonymous form for consideration. https://forms.gle/pwUbNgwTBaGKATyu5. 

Dear Accidentally Qualified,

I keep accepting freelance assignments that I don’t actually want. Some are very well paid, and some are decently paid but offered by editors I really like. I say yes because I struggle to say no in general, and because I worry that if I say no now, they won’t ask me again, and one day if I’m ever broke and desperate, I won’t have anything to fall back on. But taking these assignments means I’m not doing work that’s more meaningful or closer to the topics I focus on or building my clips in the way I’d like to. How can I reframe this inside myself so that I get better at saying no?

-That’s a No For Me

Dear That’s a No For Me,

You’re not alone in operating from a scarcity mindset, or catastrophizing about the day shit will hit the fan. It’s a tough headspace to get out of, regardless of how long you’ve been able to pay the bills through freelancing or how well (or disastrously) the industry is doing. Freelancing is notoriously inconsistent even when the industry is thriving. At the moment, when it’s showing no signs of improvement, it’s normal, even healthy, to be freaking out. As long as that anxiety doesn’t stymie you. 

It sounds like at least for now, you’re doing fine and can afford to be pickier.

Option 1: Remind yourself that for the time being, you have enough money to say thanks but no thanks. Use a vetted budgeting app like Rocket Money, Empower, YNAB, or Monarch Money to get a full picture of your income and expenses, then determine how much of your current income you can afford to gamble with as you try to establish income streams from the work that appeal to you. 

If you find that you have no wiggle room, another option is to try and schedule blocks of time dedicated to pursuing your passion. Some freelancers set aside one full day per week, others prefer an hour or two every day. 

As for disappointing editors you like: there are lots of ways to say “thanks but no thanks” without burning bridges. No editor is going to blacklist you for saying you’re not available. Letting them know your plate is full is a far better look than turning in sloppy work or quitting in the middle of a project. A straightforward, “I appreciate you reaching out, but I don’t have the time right now. I’d love to work with you in the future and will get back in touch when I have more availability.” 

It’s true that they may not think of you immediately next time they need to assign something last minute, because they know you’re busy (or at least were the last time they checked). But if you take initiative and check in next time you’re seeking out assignments, you’ll be back on their radar. 

It can also be helpful, when you write back, to give that editor context about what you’re busy with or what you’re trying to focus on at the moment. Depending on the outlet, they might be able to assign you pieces that are more suited to you, or at least keep you in mind when relevant assignments come up. Even if they probably won’t turn around and give you your dream assignment, they may have connections who they can refer you to. Then, you’ll also get the added benefit of having an editor vouch for your skills. 

You’re right to be thinking intentionally about your output or how you spend your professional time; people will know you for what you do, not for what you want to do. If you’re not doing the work you want to be associated with, then it is less likely those opportunities will fall into your lap. Which means your best option is to get over your trepidations. Send pitches, build relationships with people at the organizations you admire, ask them out for coffee for informational interviews. Consider writing for free for an organization that needs the help, but doesn’t have the budget as a way to build up your portfolio. Start that blog or newsletter. No one even has to read it. But it’ll live online, as a reflection of the interests and skills that you might not be getting the chance to showcase elsewhere, for you to share when applying for the gigs you really want.    

Good luck!

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