One of the hardest parts of freelancing isn't rejection. It's false hope.

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It's clients, particularly long-term ones you've built relationships with, who tell you, "We've got lots of work coming your way," "We'll definitely work together again," or "We'll get something over the line soon."

Weeks become months. Months can become yearssssss.

You check in. They sound enthusiastic. They apologise. They promise to circle back.

Nothing happens. And that's not just exhausting. but scary. Because we took you for your word. We have rent to pay, food to put on the table, mouths to feed. And also, we love the work! (I mean why else would we be crazy enough to freelance in an industry increasingly cannibalised by AI and shrinking budgets?!)

I want to be clear: I am confident clients do NOT do this maliciously. Budgets change. Priorities shift. Internal approvals stall. CLIENTS lose clients. And, of course, life happens.

But... words. Have. Consequences.

And as freelancers, we don't just hear promises. We plan around them. We leave room in our schedules. We hesitate before committing to other work because we're trying to honour relationships we've spent years building.

And when those promises repeatedly don't become reality? Well, it's incredibly difficult to know where you stand.

I'd much rather hear, "We're not going to have work for you this year." At least then I can move forward.

We need to normalise something that costs nothing: honest communication. If you know there's unlikely to be work, say so. If plans have changed, TELL US. If you don't know, that's okay too. Ambiguity is far more damaging than a difficult conversation.

I'd love to hear from other freelancers. Have you experienced this? How do you manage clients who consistently promise work that never materialises?

And, while we're here... if anyone is looking for a freelance journalist, editor or copywriter, I'd love to connect. I specialise in investigative and solutions journalism, long-form features, SEO and brand copy, and storytelling for publications, NGOs and purpose-driven organisations.

My inbox is always open.