How do I respond when a client keeps changing the requested work?

Treat each change as a decision to confirm, not as a reason to argue. Thank them for clarifying, describe the new request in your own words, then make the difference from the current agreement visible. Keep the focus on the work: what changes, what stays, and what the change means for timing or other deliverables.

Avoid phrases like “You keep changing your mind.” Even if that is how it feels, it can turn a practical conversation into a dispute about behavior. Instead, use neutral wording: “This is different from the version we planned around, so I’d like to confirm the effect before I proceed.”

Include four things: the current agreed work, the newly requested work, the likely effect, and a choice. Be concrete about timing or deliverables, but don’t present an estimate as certain if you haven’t checked it. If the impact is not yet clear, say so and offer to review it before committing.

For example, assume the original plan was one two-page handout and the client now asks for a second version for another audience. You might say: “The current plan covers one handout for [audience A]. The new request is a separate version for [audience B]. I can replace the first version with the new one, or include both and confirm a revised schedule. Which would you prefer?” The details are placeholders; use your actual agreement and realistic timing.

Yes. Summarize the current version of the request rather than cataloguing every change. If the history matters, mention it briefly and neutrally. Here is a reusable template:

“Thanks for the update. To make sure I’m working from the right brief, I understand the current request is [latest requested work]. Our existing plan covers [agreed work]. The new request would [replace/add/change a specific item]. That means [effect on deliverables, timing, or priority; if unknown, say it needs checking].

I can proceed by [option 1] or [option 2]. Please confirm which you prefer by [date, if relevant]. I’ll continue with [work that is already confirmed] while we settle the change. I’ll hold off on [new or affected work] until we agree the plan.”

Only say you’ll continue with unaffected work if that is practical. If the change affects everything, state that clearly instead.

Don’t imply that silence is approval. Send a brief follow-up that identifies the decision still needed and what you are doing in the meantime. For example: “I’m ready to take this forward. I still need your choice between [option 1] and [option 2], because they affect [deliverable or timing]. Until I hear back, I’ll continue with [confirmed work] and won’t begin [change that depends on your decision].”

If no confirmed work can sensibly continue, say you are pausing the affected work pending confirmation. If a deadline is close, name the date and ask for a decision by a reasonable point to protect the schedule. Keep a copy of the agreed scope and the client’s response in your usual project records.

Separate willingness from the decision about scope. You can show that you are open to the request while being clear that a changed deliverable may require a changed plan. Don’t introduce a fee or promise a particular schedule unless you know what applies to your agreement.

Try: “I’m happy to look at this change. Because it differs from the work currently agreed, let’s confirm whether it replaces an existing item or is additional, and then I can confirm the effect on timing and any other applicable terms.” This is collaborative, but it does not accidentally promise that the extra work is included. Once the client chooses, reply with a short written recap of the updated deliverables and timing before you proceed.