"I'm not doing that for free."

Is it rude to say no to unpaid work?

Not at all! Asking a professional to work for free is ruder. Declining is just setting a boundary. And you don't owe anyone an apology for that.

Do I need to explain why I can't do it for free?

No. "I only take on paid work" is a complete sentence. You don't need to justify your business model, apologise, or soften the blow with a long explanation.

What if it's for a good cause or a charity?

That's your call to make. You get to decide which causes you want to support and on what terms.

If you do say yes, treat it like any other project: agree on scope upfront, set a clear end date, and make sure it's actually worth your time. "It's for a good cause" isn't a reason to say yes automatically, or to take on unlimited work with no boundaries.

What if I'm just starting out?

It depends. Early in your career, unpaid or low-paid work may open doors in the form of a byline, portfolio piece, connections, or client name. But go in with your eyes open.

Ask yourself: What am I actually getting out of this? Is it a named credit I can use? A referral? Real experience I couldn't get elsewhere?

Another important thing to consider if whether the time it takes is proportionate to that benefit. A 2-hour favour is very different from a 2-week project. If the answer to those questions doesn't add up, it's still okay to say no.

What if they say it's great exposure?

Exposure doesn't pay the bills. You can absolutely acknowledge that the project sounds interesting while still declining.

If the opportunity were really that big, there would be a budget for the project, which would include your services.

What if it's a friend or family member?

This one can feel harder, but boundaries with people you know are especially worth setting early. A clear "I only take on paid work, even for people I know" protects the relationship more than resentment does.