I'm 23, live in Nonthaburi, and I work as a freelance content writer and small social media manager for clients one-off.

This started with a project I took on at the beginning of the month. It's a client of a friend-of-a-friend who recommended me. He said he wanted to start a page to promote his suburban restaurant. I offered a package charged by the hour — content creation, posting schedule, simple graphics, 10 posts a month. The price I quoted was what I thought was fair for a beginner like me and convenient for both sides.

We chatted for a few days, then he asked extra stuff like could I stand there to take orders on opening day to learn the vibe (about 4 hours). I said I don't live near the shop every day, but if he sends photos I can edit them nicely. I estimated 1–2 hours per post and said that was okay — I wanted the review and the real work.

But then he started asking weird things, like using my personal account to run ads because the page isn't verified, and worst, asking me to make short clips for free as a test to try content. I went silent. Like… really silent.

I felt uncomfortable but I hesitated because he could recommend me for more work and I'm just starting so money's unstable. Letting him use my personal account for ads feels risky though, and all these requests for free stuff made me feel like they were chipping away at my price little by little so I'm left wondering if I should give in or if I'm making a fuss. It's confusing.

Also there's a partner who chatted once then disappeared — never answered calls or messages — but I saw their story tagging friends on a Chiang Mai trip. I was like what the heck. It feels unprofessional. Why communicate with someone who takes a job like that? It's like they don't value my time or skills, but I don't want to come off as a complainer or harsh because I'm afraid future opportunities will dry up.

One time he asked me to be at the shop at like 10:15pm because there was a late promo post. I'm not someone who goes out alone at night but I went thinking it's just once. When I got there he told me to take orders and post live, then said "I'll give you credit in the post." I made a face… okay, how does credit pay for my food and travel, lol. I laughed it off but inside I felt so odd.

A senior freelancer friend told me "If the job can lead to more, you should accept it," but I wonder what really counts as leading to more. Sometimes the only people who get the "leads" are those who already have connections. I'm only 23 and don't have many regular clients yet; trading my time for vague goodwill all the time won't be sustainable.

And the money thing — this client said they'd transfer payment once sales hit a target. I'm like… what if sales don't reach the target? Do I have to take that risk? They said they'd try a revenue-share model but there's no clear contract. I was furious inside but reminded myself I'm new so I tried to stay calm and negotiate, but every conversation drained me and stressed me out so I started avoiding checking emails.

I care about my reputation too. I'm scared if I say no now people will call me difficult, or if I accept they'll later accuse me of not doing my best even though I did. Their way of communicating makes me doubt myself, like I should swallow my pride and smile, but my expenses are real — travel, food, a small power bank, computer, internet — it's not free.

Am I being petty? Asking for too much? Or should I set clear rules from the start like no free work, don't use my personal account, require a deposit? Would saying that sound arrogant? Or should I explain to clients that freelancers also have costs like a company? Sometimes I wish someone would tell me "this works" but I'm shy to ask people in the industry, scared they'll laugh.

Sorry if this is messy. I'm really confused T_T

Freelance friends, how do you handle this? Any polite but firm refusal lines I can save for next time?