Clients
Agreeing response hours with clients
Some side work keeps sending messages after you've stopped for the night. Agreeing response hours at the start keeps it from taking over every evening.
Decide your hours first
Choose the days and times you'll reply, based on your real crossings. Be specific, for example "Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Saturday morning".
Put it in writing
Include your hours in your profile, your first message to each client and any written agreement. Clear expectations prevent most frustration on both sides.
Use tools gently
Auto-replies and scheduled messages can help, but don't promise faster replies than you can keep.
When a client won't accept limits
Some work genuinely needs fast replies at any hour. If that's what a client needs, it may not suit side work alongside a full-time job, and it's fine to say so.
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