A client asked for a discount during my kid's soccer game

I was cheering on my son when a client from a big project walked over and hinted at lowering my rates. Some freelancers say you should never mix personal time with business talks, while others think staying flexible keeps clients coming back. Where do you draw the line when work follows you into personal moments?

3 comments

3 Comments

kai_williams6d ago

Heard a podcast say that's a MAJOR boundary cross, honestly.

finleyb235d ago

Seriously, that podcast isn't wrong about boundaries being huge. When my cousin kept borrowing my car without asking, I had to tell him flat out it wasn't okay. Setting that rule felt awkward, but don't you have to draw the line somewhere?

susan6495d ago

Ugh, that's the worst. I've had clients try to haggle at my kid's games too. My go-to move is to smile and say, "Let's talk numbers during business hours." It shuts it down without being rude. If they push, I remind them my family time is non-negotiable. Once you give an inch on discounts during personal time, they'll take a mile. Stick to your rates and your boundaries, it saves headaches later.