You’ve probably heard the phrase, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” It’s an age-old adage, popularized in economics and everyday life, that carries a simple but powerful truth: nothing comes without a cost.
This phrase—also known as TANSTAAFL (“There Ain’t No Such Thing as a Free Lunch”)—might’ve originated in the saloons of 19th-century America, where customers were offered “free” lunches with the purchase of a drink.
But of course, the food was salty, which encouraged more drinking, and ultimately, more spending. The lunch wasn’t really free—it was baked into the cost.
As a creative professional, I find myself thinking about this phrase often. Too often, in fact.
When Clients Expect Free Work
Some clients, perhaps unintentionally, approach collaborations with the assumption that small tasks, quick fixes, or even full projects can or should be done for free.
Maybe it’s because it “won’t take long,” or they think, “It’s just a quick favor.” But let’s be clear: time, skill, and creativity are never free. When I spend my time and energy on your project, I’m not doing something else. That’s opportunity cost, plain and simple.
Even when something is offered at no financial charge—like a consultation, a sample, or a revision—it still costs the provider. It costs time, tools, mental space, and sometimes, emotional energy.
The Hidden Costs of “Free”
Whether it’s in science, economics, or creative work, there’s always a cost somewhere. In economics, Milton Friedman used the “no free lunch” idea to illustrate opportunity cost: choosing one thing always means giving up something else.
If I take time to do a “free” job for one client, I lose the opportunity to serve another client who values that same time—and is willing to pay for it.
In short: somebody always pays. And when a professional absorbs that cost, it adds up—burnout, loss of revenue, and undervaluation of one’s own work.
Respecting Professional Boundaries
This isn’t to say we can’t be generous or flexible. There’s a time and place for goodwill, discounts, or going the extra mile. But when that generosity becomes an expectation rather than a rare exception, it crosses a line.
Asking for free work is asking someone else to bear your cost.
And just like the saloons of the past, you’ll still end up paying for it—whether in quality, time, or relationship strain.
The Bottom Line
If you value someone’s work, respect their time and expertise. Expect to invest in it—just as you would in any other service that helps your life or business thrive.
So, the next time you’re tempted to ask for something “quick and free,” remember:
There’s no such thing as free work. Not really.
And if someone is offering you their time or talent? A little appreciation—and fair compensation—goes a long way.