Why I Said “No” to Voice Acting Gigs 43 Times Last Year

Last year, I found myself repeating a two-letter word when people tried to hire me for voice acting gigs. That word was “NO.” I get it; there might be some readers raising their eyebrows at that, but hear me out. Let’s talk about why turning down work isn’t as crazy as it sounds, and why, in fact, it can be a remarkably healthy decision.

The gig economy, especially in voice acting, is riddled with the misconception that work is scarce (unless you’re Chris Pratt) and should be grabbed at all costs. This scarcity mindset leads many to believe that every job offer is a precious gem, but the reality is far from it. Clients often exploit this fear, offering low pay and subpar working conditions, expecting gratitude for the “opportunity” they’re providing.However, there are compelling reasons to turn down a job, and I’m going to share three of them with you. These insights are not just about making choices but about empowering yourself to step away from desperation.

Of course we’re going to start with money. Understanding fair rates for voice acting is crucial. If you don’t know what the rates are, you risk falling prey to a client who swears $500 for a national cable commercial is a great deal. Education on industry standards is key here. Without it, you’re vulnerable to accepting deals that undervalue your work. Remember: Voice acting isn’t always about how long you talk. Sometimes it’s about how many people will hear it, how many units it’s going to sell, how much money it will save companies, etc etc. If you start thinking you’re getting overpaid because you’re only recording 30 seconds of audio, check yourself.If you don’t know where to start, let me introduce you to the Global Voice Acting Academy’s Rate Guide. Pretty much the industry standard for Voice Acting rates in the United States.

So yes, I declined numerous offers simply because they didn’t meet my financial expectations. Remember, recognizing your worth is essential, and it’s perfectly okay to say no to lowball offers.

Beyond the paycheck, consider the return on investment (ROI) for your time behind the microphone. Not all gigs pay equally for the time invested. While anime and video games might seem glamorous, they often don’t pay as well as commercials. Balancing joy and income is a personal equation, and sometimes, higher-paying work takes precedence over passion projects. That’s not to say you should skip all but the highest-paying genres; anime and video games are some of my favorite work. But it’s important to take into account how much joy a project can bring in addition to it’s pay. This equation is different for everyone, but there were times where I found myself unable to work on passion projects because I chose to commit to more profitable opportunities.

Your intuition, or “spidey senses,” plays a significant role in decision-making. Being easy to work with is vital, but so too is the reverse. You deserve to work with clients that aren’t difficult. Last year, I turned down jobs where I saw red flags flying onto the field, signaling a potential imbalance in the client relationship—overdirection, excessive paperwork, unreasonable demands, and poor communication.These problematic clients, which I refer to as 80/20 clients based on the Pareto principle, can cause 80% of your stress and provide 20% of your income. Learning to let go of such clients is a skill worth cultivating, as not all costs are measured in dollars. Stress, time, and emotional drain are real factors to consider.

If this isn’t my first blog post you’ve read, you’ve seen me talk about 80/20 clients before. Depending on where you are in your career, you’ll know when you can deal with an 80/20 client, and how much of one you’re willing to deal with. Just understand that you don’t need to work with anyone you don’t want to. Just because they’re offering you work doesn’t mean you have to take it. Sometimes saying no is the right thing to do.

Lastly, we must acknowledge the philosophical aspect: life isn’t all about work. Opportunity cost is a concept often overlooked in our hustle culture. Every job you take means giving up something else—time with loved ones, relaxation, or other pursuits that enrich your life. So when you find yourself facing an opportunity that’s going to take up a decent amount of time, take a minute to consider what you might give up by saying yes. Not to dissuade you, but to ensure you’re considering all angles before signing up for something that might make you give up something important.

Even when offered fair rates and good working conditions, I chose to decline evening recording sessions last year. Why? Because the value of spending time with my family and enjoying my evenings outweighed the benefits of the job. It’s important to remember that productivity isn’t solely defined by monetary gain.

Shocker that the guy behind a site called LearnVoiceActing.com would tell you there are more important things in life than Voice Acting, but consider that bubble burst! There’s more to life than relentless pursuit of work, and it’s okay to turn down opportunities that don’t align with your values or lifestyle.

For further insights, my YouTube channel has videos on dealing with 80/20 clients and why your voice isn’t the most critical factor in your career. And if you’re eager to dive deeper, grab a free ebook on starting your voice acting journey HERE.

Saying “no” can be powerful. It’s a choice that reflects knowledge, self-worth, and a balanced approach to life and work. So, the next time you’re faced with a questionable gig, remember these reasons and feel empowered to make the decision that’s right for you.