What assignments do you take on as a ZP'er?

When you are offered an assignment, you are probably most eager to take it. After all, a new assignment means income. But sometimes it is better for yourself and the client to refuse an assignment. Therefore, ask yourself the following questions before you say “yes".

Can you handle the assignment?

It may happen that you are asked for an assignment that is outside your area of expertise. Think about whether you can deliver what the client expects. It may be that you see it as a nice challenge, but be honest about that with the client. Don't make it seem as if you've dealt with an axe before when that is not the case. If you disappoint your client, you are likely to lose him quickly. In addition, an assignment that is too ambitious can cause you a lot of stress.

Does the client suit you?

The customer is king, as the saying goes. Some clients take this very literally. So before you join forces with a party, check whether you are on the same page. Do your expectations match? Is the client a pleasant person to work for or is there no click? If you do not have a good feeling about the person in question from the start, you may wonder whether it will be a pleasant cooperation. Be realistic and don't be led by euro signs.

In addition, a client may have a certain ideology that does not suit you. For example, a political or religious belief. Do you feel uncomfortable with that? In that case, listening to your feelings is usually the best solution.

Do you have time for this assignment?

As a ZP'er you prefer to cram 48 hours of work into a twenty-four hour period. But this can be at the expense of your health and the quality you deliver. Therefore, always make sure you make a realistic schedule before taking on an assignment. Keep in mind that things can go against you, so keep slack in your schedule. If you don't get it done in the time the client gives you, be honest about it. To yourself and to the client.

You can resolve to live on five hours of sleep for three nights, but that will not help your condition or the quality of your work. You run the risk of finishing the work or making mistakes due to time pressure and fatigue. Small chance then that the client will ever come back to you. Don't have the time? Then don't take the job. But do try to help the client by, for example, putting forward a fellow contractor with whom you have had good experiences. This way, you do the client a favor and preserve the relationship, which may yield work in the future when you do have time.