(Untitled)

[lil_t_t]

I am about to get into my car to submit the final assignment of a degree I never thought I would ever finish. I am am then off to work for the tenth day in a row. I have one day off in 18. I know not to expect sympathy from anyone on facebook cos you all think I am a workaholic but can anyone teach me how to say no?

Comments

[maalii]

maybe don't think about it as saying 'no', but rather making time for yourself and your friends. each job, although making you money for stuff you need/ want, is another thing you have to fit people around. another thing to stretch you, take your mind away from the moment you are in. i'm proud of how hard you work lila, but i miss you lots, and don't enjoy the feeling of getting used to you being busy.

[cliogf]

Years. Tried. Failed. Up to you chickadee, you are what you want to be.

[nephstar]

Direct: No.
Gracious: Thank you very much for thinking of me, I'm really flattered/delighted/honored for the opportunity but unfortunately I am unable to do X/Y/Z at this time.
You don't need to give a reason, but if they're really pushy, give the truth - "I've committed to something else at that time [YOU!] and I always keep my word." (Indicates that you will follow through once you commit to them)
The broken record. Agree with whatever they say and keep repeating your 'core message' - ie:"I'm well, but I don't want a new phone. yes that does sound like a good deal but I don't want a new phone. It is pretty strange that I don't want to save money but I don't want a new phone. I guess you can ask who I'm with, but I don't want a new phone. I appreciate the offer, but I don't want a new phone." I've managed to get cold callers to hang up on me!!
Also, following up to mahalia - it's easy to say no when there is a bigger yes burning inside.

[cliogf]

I want a new phone! Wanna go phone shopping when you get here?
And I have women circus rehearsal on sunday so would you like to come along and just sit while I do my thing and then we can get the hell outta there? Hopefully this is possible and I'm not stuck there the whole day... Although we could turn it in to a lovely footscray outing!
Maybe I should discuss this with you on the phone rather than in Lil's live journal... Hi Lil!