A computer-implemented method and a computer system establish network slices within a physical network having a plurality of network elements. The method includes receiving a request to instantiate a network slice at a network element. The method also includes determining a performance metric of the network element. The method further includes delaying instantiation of the requested network slice within the network element in response to determining that the performance metric of the network element is below a threshold. The method also includes instantiating the requested network slice within the network element in response to determining that the performance metric of the network element is at or above the threshold. Finally, the method includes deactivating the requested network slice in response to determining that the performance metric of the network element is below the threshold at a time subsequent to instantiating the requested network slice.