Saying no to work you could technically do

Every bad engagement I have had was one I was perfectly capable of delivering. Capability was never the problem.

What I check now

Whether the person hiring me can actually decide. Whether there is a real user I can talk to. Whether the timeline was set by the work or by a board meeting.

If two of those three are missing, I say no and usually recommend someone whose practice suits it better. That referral has brought back more work than any portfolio piece.