Nothing shakes a freelancer’s confidence like hearing “We need to pause.” In this episode, I walk you through exactly how to respond, no panic, just practical scripts, mindset shifts, and contract strategies. You’ll learn how to stay calm, use your contract to protect boundaries, and reframe pauses as opportunities to reflect, reset, and rise.

Understanding Why Pauses Happen and How to Stay Calm

Pauses are part of business, whether you’re charging $500 or $5,000 per month. Instead of spiraling, get curious. Ask better questions (e.g., “Can you share more about what’s going on so I can support you?”) to uncover if it’s financial, timing, or misalignment. By staying calm and gathering facts first, you avoid worst-case scenarios and set yourself up to handle any pause strategically.

Going to Your Contract: Contracts Are Your Best Friend

Your contract isn’t just legal boilerplate—it’s your lifeline when clients hit pause. Always ask:

• Does my contract include a pause clause?
• If yes, what are the terms (duration, payment obligations, resumption)?
• If no, how can I fix this going forward?

A clear clause caps pause time (I recommend max 90 days), requires payments to continue, and specifies what happens when the pause ends (e.g., rate adjustments or forfeiture of paid services). Don’t wing it—use ChatGPT or your legal advisor to craft a pause clause that fits your exact offer.

Creating a Pause Clause That Protects You

If your contract doesn’t address pauses, add one now. Key elements:

1. Cap the Pause Duration: I suggest no more than 90 days. Longer pauses risk outdated pricing or service changes.
2. Payment Obligations Continue: Even during the pause, clients must keep paying to protect your cash flow.
3. Post-Pause Terms: Clarify what happens once the pause ends—are rates subject to change? Do you need a new agreement?
4. Forfeiture Clause: If the client doesn’t resume by the 90-day mark, they forfeit paid services and must sign a new contract.

Sample language (this is not legal advice):

“Client may pause services for up to 90 days. Payments continue per this agreement. After 90 days, this agreement may be reassessed for scope, rate, and availability. Failure to resume within 90 days results in forfeiture of paid services and requires a new contract.”

Offering a Strategic Pause: Keep the Relationship (and Revenue) Flowing

When a client requests a pause, respond with empathy, then set clear boundaries:

“I totally understand. We can pause your services through [PAUSE END DATE]. Payments will continue as outlined in our contract. When you’re ready to resume, we’ll pick up right where we left off.”

This approach lets the client know you’re in their corner, keeps your cash flow predictable, and prevents you from scrambling to replace them mid-month. If you can, quietly fill that slot—just know you’re already getting paid during the pause.

Setting Boundaries & Time Limits: Why 90 Days Is Non-Negotiable

Pauses shouldn’t drag on indefinitely. Here’s how to set firm, professional boundaries:

• Maximum 90-Day Pause: After that, it’s a wrap or a new contract. Business needs evolve—your pricing and services may have changed.
• Reminder Script:

“Just to confirm, your pause runs through [DATE]. After that, we’ll revisit availability and rates. If you don’t resume by then, you’ll forfeit those payments, and we’ll need a new contract.”

Keeping a firm time cap protects your sanity, energy, and income. Boundaries equal professionalism.

Reframing the Pause Mindset: It’s an Opportunity, Not a Rejection

Pauses happen to everyone—even ad managers charging $5K+/month. Instead of taking it personally:

• View a pause as “space to reflect, reset, and rise.”
• Use the time wisely: Pitch new clients, refine offers, tighten your systems, or simply breathe.
• Internal mantra: “This pause isn’t a punishment; it’s a gift that helps me grow stronger.”

By reframing, you avoid burnout, protect your self-worth, and come back more ready than ever.

Next Steps: Install Systems So You’re Never Blindsided Again

Pauses shouldn’t throw you into chaos. Head to brandiandcompany.com/100k to watch my free training on the three systems every freelancer needs—like airtight contracts, automated invoicing, and client-management workflows—so you stay in control. Interested in community and hands-on coaching? Learn more about Conversions For Clients to plug into live Q&A, templates, and group coaching.

Here’s A Glance Of The Episode: 

00:00 Introduction & Why Pauses Are Part of Business 

02:00 Don’t Panic—Get Curious (The Question to Ask First)

 03:15 Go to Your Contract: Stop Relying on Emotions 

05:00 How to Create a Pause Clause That Caps Time & Payments 

06:30 Sample Pause Clause Language (Brainy-Style, Not Legal Advice) 

07:30 Offering a Strategic Pause: Scripts & Best Practices 

09:00 Setting a 90-Day Time Limit & Reminder Script 

10:30 Reframing the Pause Mindset: Opportunity vs. Panic 

12:00 Next Steps & Free Training Link