Say Yes First. Trust It’ll Work Out. (Because It Always Does)

I’ve learned something about freelancing: it rarely unfolds in a straight line. Sometimes you’re juggling job offers, other times you’re refreshing your inbox and wondering if your email’s broken. It can feel chaotic — like you’re constantly trying to guess which job will come through, which one might disappear, and whether saying yes to something now might mean missing out on something better later.

But here’s the truth I keep coming back to: you’ve got to say yes first — and trust it’ll work out.

Especially early in your freelance career, it’s tempting to hold out. You might hear about a juicy opportunity, something higher-profile or better paid, and suddenly everything else feels “less than.” But when that shiny maybe doesn’t materialise — and you’ve already said no to something solid — it stings. Not just financially, but emotionally too.

So here’s my rule: take the bird in the hand.

My dad — lovely man, gone now — used to say, “A bird in the hand is worth more than two in the bush.” It used to wind me up when I was younger, but it’s stayed with me. He always said it in relation to work. If someone had dangled a carrot of a job — something promising but unconfirmed — and in the meantime, a different (less glamorous, but guaranteed) offer came in, you don’t wait. You take the one that’s real.

This was in my old career as a regular full-time employee — and it’s even more relevant now I’m self-employed.

Me and Dad circa 2001, the best career cheerleader x

Because here’s what I’ve learned:

Accept the job that’s confirmed. Lock it in. If the “dream” job eventually comes through? You can make a decision then. You’ve protected yourself, your time, and your income — and that’s what matters.

It’s all about gut instinct. Ask yourself:

• What do I need most right now?

• Is this job helping me financially — or helping me grow my network?

• Which one gets me closer to the career I want?

And just as important: don’t overanalyse the jobs that don’t happen. I’ve had plenty of near-misses — the “we’d love to have you” messages that quietly vanish. They weren’t mine. If they were, they would’ve stuck. I genuinely believe that.

The juggling act never completely stops. But what I’ve learned is that the best thing you can do — especially at the beginning — is stay open. Say yes. Confirm what’s real. Keep your portfolio fresh. Keep your kit packed. Keep moving forward.

Freelancing will always come with a little chaos. But you can meet it with calm — and relinquish control a little, because honestly, trying to control every outcome is just a waste of energy.

You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just in between the things that are meant for you.