A few years ago, I ended a discovery call by agreeing to put together a huge proposal and quote for a big design project.

But I immediately felt it - a tightness in my stomach, and anxious fluttering in my chest.

I stood up, paced around my office, tried to shake it off.

The project opportunity should have been a no-brainer: really well-paid and with a very reputable company.

But something didn’t feel right.

The client had interrupted me three times mid-sentence.

They insisted that I document every decision of the project and move quickly because it was a “lean” team.

They talked about needing the work done “yesterday.”

…

Still, I told myself I was overthinking it. That it was great money and I could handle it. And worst of all, I felt that since I had already said yes to putting together a proposal I had to go through with it.

It’s funny to me now looking back because even submitting a proposal STILL doesn’t mean you have to go through with a project!

But this past version of me, overrode my intuition and convinced my mind that saying yes was the only option.

The project kicked off and within the first two weeks, I was dreading every check-in, all the added messages flying at me throughout the day from this anxious micro-manager client, extra meetings populated on the calendar, all the added time I had to project manage separately from the design work.

And even though the project was only 2-months long, I was crossing off days on the calendar like I was 12 years old and counting down to summer break.

Luckily, the project eventually ended (another perk of freelance) and I learned A LOT about how I evaluate new projects.

Now, I always ask myself:

Beyond money, what else is this offering me?

Because sometimes a project is worth it even if the budget’s modest. And most of the time a well-paid project (if that is all it has going for it) turns out to be not worth the cost.

Here are a few non-monetary green flags I look for now:

✔️ Values alignment — Does this client care about and value design and my contributions?

✔️ Relational fit — Does this client get how I work? Will this be collaborative, or will I be micromanaged?

✔️ Growth — Will I learn something, expand my skills, or connect with new audiences?

✔️ Creative expansion — Will I want to share this project when it’s done?

✔️ Sustainability — Do I have capacity to do this without burning out or bending over backwards?

And most importantly, I check in with my body.

Am I feeling grounded and curious, saying yes from a place of genuine intrigue? Or am I clenching and tense, feeling a pressure that I should (or have to) say yes even though I don’t want to?

Because if the only benefit is the paycheck and I’m already shrinking inside before we’ve even started? That’s now a clear sign: NO .

A lot of students have asked me lately: “What do you say when a 🚩 red flag pops up on a discovery call?”

Here’s what I usually suggest:

[from softest to most direct]

🗣️ “After learning more I don’t think I have the capacity right now for this work but will let you know if that changes.”

🗣️ “It’s been great to learn more about what you’re building but unfortunately after learning more I don’t think I’m the right fit for this work.”

🗣️ “I usually work with clients who [describe ideal], and I get the sense this might not be quite aligned.”

I know it’s uncomfortable to turn away work and to end a call without being a “yes person” but just know that you don’t have to explain yourself. Or have a referral for them. Or make it a whole thing.

You can just politely decline.

So I’m curious:

Have you ever ignored a 🚩 red flag and regretted it? Or walked away from something that seemed great—and felt the relief of trusting your gut?

Warmly,

Sarah

P.S. this wasn’t the only time I didn’t listen to my gut, it takes a while to learn to listen…a story for another time perhaps ;)