At some point in your freelance career, a client will say something like this:
“We just need you available during work hours.”
“It’s flexible, but we expect quick responses.”
“Can you stay online in case something comes up?”
On the surface, it sounds reasonable. But freelancers are not meant to be on call by default. We’re not employees! Nor do we get the benefits of employees. So, it’s best not to become a busy fool.
Unanswered messages or constant availability expectations can quietly take over your schedule, your mental space, and even your sense of self-worth.
Here’s what to do if your clients are expecting full-time work without a full-time salary.
Should Freelancers Be on Call?
Being freelance means you are hired for your skills and outcomes, not your constant presence.
When clients expect real-time availability throughout the day, they are often asking for something closer to full-time employment without offering the structure, pay, or protections that come with it.
For freelancers, that expectation can quietly limit your ability to:
- Take on other clients
- Work when you are most productive
- Step away without guilt
- Protect your energy
Even if the workload itself is manageable, the mental strain of being “on call” all day adds up over time and can even decrease your income.
Below is an actual screenshot of messages I received from an Upwork client. I’m flexible, but committing to evening work makes no sense — especially when Upwork takes a cut of the paycheck!
Client Expects You to Work Like Full-Time? Why You Shouldn’t
This usually happens when a client blurs the line between freelance and full-time work.
They want the responsiveness of an in-house employee, maybe even weekend work, but the flexibility to pause work, change scope, or end the relationship quickly.
For freelancers, this creates a power imbalance. You give up independence without gaining stability.
Even if the workload itself is light, full-time availability limits your ability to manage other clients or protect your mental energy. Over time, it can lead to resentment, freelance burnout, and feeling trapped in a dead-end job.
This happened to me once. The client paid me $30 per newsletter, which at the time (my first year of freelancing), felt pretty good. But they also wanted to make edits all day, and expected me to get back to them within seconds. This led to me monitoring my emails like a mad-man, and even putting off seeing family for coffee, in fear they’d drop me.
Everything about my approach to the work there is wrong, from pricing to boundaries. These days, I don’t work in set hours unless really needed.
How to Politely Tell a Client You’re Busy?
Setting boundaries does not require confrontation. But I know it can feel like that.
Likewise, being polite does not mean being vague or apologetic. Clear, calm responses help reset expectations over time.
Simple ways to communicate availability:
- “I am booked today, but I can review this tomorrow.”
- “I check messages during set hours and respond then.”
- “I can prioritize this if we adjust the timeline or scope.”
You are not being unprofessional by saying this. You are defining how you work — and reminding the client that you’re a genuine business rather than a yes man.
How Many Hours a Day Do Freelancers Work?
There is no single answer to this, and it even changes frequently for each freelancer.
Some freelancers work four focused hours a day. Others work eight or more during busy periods. Freelancers decide how those hours are structured.
Availability does not automatically equal workload. Freelancers often split their time between multiple clients, admin tasks, and rest or time off. Expecting them to be “on call” all day is rarely sustainable.
How to Stop Clients from Expecting Constant Availability
The expectation of constant availability usually forms slowly, especially if boundaries were never clearly stated at the start.
Shifting the focus from hours to outcomes helps. Defining response windows, delivery timelines, and what counts as urgent work creates clarity for both sides.
Really, consistency matters more than perfection here.
Clients who respect your work will usually adapt. If they do not, that information is valuable.
When to Reconsider the Relationship
If a client insists on full-day availability but resists adjusting pay, scope, or expectations, it may be time to reassess.
Believe me, not every client relationship is meant to last. Protecting your time is not selfish or unprofessional. It is necessary if you want to have a long career.
Last Thoughts
Freelancing is unpredictable enough without being on call all day. Set your boundaries and ditch those unprofessional clients who want you to work like an employee without the fair benefits.
Remember: clients who respect your work will respect your hours too.
Get ready to thrive. Read more on The Freelance Balance blog.
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