Refusing Work
When it’s appropriate to decline a project on ethical grounds, and how to do so professionally.
Key points
- You have the right to decline work that conflicts with your values
- Refusing unethical work protects both you and the profession
- Be professional and brief when declining — you don’t owe lengthy explanations
- Consider whether the issue is ethical or just uncomfortable
Your right to refuse
As a professional copywriter, you’re not obligated to accept every project that comes your way. The Code of Conduct recognises that some work may conflict with your personal values or professional standards.
Declining work on ethical grounds isn’t unprofessional — it’s a sign of integrity. Clients generally respect copywriters who have clear principles, even when those principles mean turning down their project.
When to consider refusing
Consider declining work when:
- The product or service causes harm — tobacco, gambling targeting vulnerable people, predatory lending, etc.
- The messaging would be misleading — making claims you know to be false or exaggerated
- It conflicts with your values — political campaigns, causes, or organisations you fundamentally disagree with
- The client wants you to deceive — fake reviews, astroturfing, hidden advertising
- It could damage vulnerable groups — exploitative targeting, harmful stereotypes, manipulation
Not every uncomfortable project is unethical. Writing about topics you find boring, working with difficult clients, or tackling unfamiliar subjects aren’t ethical issues — they’re normal business challenges. Reserve refusal for genuine ethical concerns.
How to decline professionally
When refusing work, keep it simple and professional:
- Be prompt — don’t string the client along while you deliberate
- Be brief — you don’t need to justify or explain at length
- Be polite — declining work doesn’t require being rude
- Don’t lecture — your refusal isn’t a platform for moral instruction
A simple response might be: “Thank you for thinking of me for this project. Unfortunately, it’s not something I’m able to take on. I hope you find the right person for it.”
You can simply say the project “isn’t the right fit” without elaborating. Most clients will accept this gracefully. If pressed, you can say it conflicts with your personal policies without getting into specifics.
Navigating grey areas
Not every ethical decision is clear-cut. Some questions to ask yourself:
- Is the problem with the client or the work? — A well-meaning client in a problematic industry is different from a bad actor in a neutral one
- Can you influence the outcome? — Sometimes staying involved lets you push for more ethical messaging
- What’s the actual harm? — Be specific about what concerns you, not just vaguely uncomfortable
- Are you applying consistent standards? — Would you refuse similar work from a different client?
There’s no universal right answer to these questions. Your professional judgement matters.
Protecting yourself
Refusing work protects you in several ways:
- Reputation — your name on misleading work can damage your professional standing
- Legal risk — some deceptive practices can have legal consequences
- Mental health — working against your values takes a psychological toll
- Portfolio — you’ll want to show your best, most ethical work to future clients
If you refuse work because you believe it’s misleading or harmful, make a note of your reasons. If the client later faces regulatory action, having documented your concerns protects you.
Summary
Refusing work on ethical grounds is your right and sometimes your responsibility. Do it professionally, do it promptly, and don’t feel you need to justify yourself at length.
The profession is strengthened when copywriters maintain standards. Your refusal might be the nudge a client needs to reconsider their approach.