Pulkit.org

For a long time, I’ve struggled in setting boundaries – especially in my personal life.

I still do to be honest. I struggle to say NO to the people I deeply love and care about.

But I can’t say the same thing about my work life. I have some pretty solid boundries in my work life that help me stay sane.

People who know me often ask – how am I so available for my kids?

How do I have the time to take them for a sports lesson, to help them with their homework, to read them bedtime stories, and make surprise dinner for my wife?

The thing is – my availability and peace is by design – The boundaries I’ve set at work.

Let me share with you some of the choices I’ve made in my work life that’ve helped me.

1. I only work with clients outside India – no local clients
2. I set clear communication boundaries – no whatsapp, no daily standups, no team meetings, no late night calls. All Communication happens via. Basecamp.
3. I ONLY take projects where I control the outcome (website, landing page, performance ads, email funnels, Conversion rate optimization)
4. I take red flags seriously.
   Here are some of the red flags I judge my clients against:
   1. Negotiating too much
   2. Criticizing previous vendor
   3. Demanding daily updates
   4. Unreasonable deadlines
   5. Inconsiderate rude behaviour
5. I am quick to walk away

This list is not exhaustive, and it’s not for everyone.

I am able to set  boundaries with my clients because I have a choice.  I have new leads coming from Upwork and my personal and professional network.

Maybe you don’t have that choice because you’re starting out new.

My advice is to get yourself in a position where your clients know that you can afford to say NO. When you go on a call, they know that you’re judging them as much as they’re judging you.