This issue of maintaining boundaries as a freelancer is key – it’s easy to slide into the “employer-employee” relationship when one has so much experience in that realm; even more so when one is very motivated to go above and beyond to establish a solid reputation.

I’ll do my best to remain mindful of the boundaries and maintain that critical professional manner when addressing issues of scope-creep etc. with my clients.

About two months ago I completed the deliverables for my Statement of Work (SOW) with them.

Then, two weeks ago, they came back with some questions from their client. Hmm, out of scope with me, in my opinion, because of all the time that had elapsed. But okay, I’ll take some time from my day now for the teleconference. I want to show I stand behind my work. I want to be the “trusted, reliable freelance writer” that every agency needs. There is quite likely more work for this client coming my way, so I’d like to stay in the good-books.

I was helpful during the conversation, but respected my own boundaries as a freelancer. As an employee, I would have offered to DO something. But as a freelancer, I gave my opinions and shared a few ideas. I respected my own boundaries first, and the agency seemed to as well. They didn’t press me for additional help at the time.

Then yesterday, at about 9pm, I received an email from one of the agency’s partners asking about the status of the work with the client. The agency’s account manager never came back to me for more help. So I had no status update to provide.

I could respond very quickly to the 9pm email, but wait … what impression would that provide? That I’m an on-call employee who will respond whatever the time of day? No. I would wait until morning, when I would start my usual home office day. At 8am the next day I sent my reply, keeping it short and on-point.

The moral of the story: Set your boundaries and stick to them. Your article here John provides some excellent guideposts for each of us to decide what our individual boundaries with clients should be.