One of the reasons many people get into freelance writing is to be their own boss. This gives them a certain amount of freedom in their work. Some people go into freelance writing believing that it is easier to walk away from a bad client than it is to walk away from a bad boss. In theory, this is true. A bad boss, you’re stuck with unless you quit your job. But, if you have a bad client you can drop him and find a new one.
Unfortunately, for a lot of writers it’s not that easy. Fear of finding new clients, concern about the loss of income or a desire to see a job all the way through may prevent them from leaving a client they don’t want to deal with.
Sometimes, the problem isn’t so much the client as it is the work requested. Maybe the project isn’t all that interesting, is incredibly time-consuming or is much more difficult than initially expected.
The problem with bad clients (or bad jobs) is they can make your life miserable and the truth is, you didn’t get into get into freelance writing to be stuck with bad jobs. You got into it so you could pick and choose your jobs. Knowing when to walk away from a contract (or to not continue a business relationship once a contract is finished) can go a long way to helping you be a happy freelancer.
Signs You Should Probably Walk Away from a Client or Contract
1. There have been problems getting paid by this client.
A little late once in a while is one thing (if you can stand that), months late with no explanation or interest attached to the pay is a bad sign. Another bad sign is if the client indicates any company cash flow problems. That’s a definite warning sign that you might not get paid for your work.
2. The thought of dealing with the client makes you feel sick.
It’s not worth it if you can’t stand the client.
3. You dread working on the project or you put it off until the last minute, hoping it’ll go away.
You should enjoy the work you do. It doesn’t all have to be rainbows and puppy dogs and happiness, but if you detest the project, you’re going to be miserable. Again, not the reason you became a freelancer.
4. The pay isn’t worth it.
5. The client expects you to do a lot of extra work without extra pay.
This includes spec work, where you do the work up front and then the client decides whether or not to hire you. In fact, if a potential client wants a lot of spec work, that’s a good sign to walk away. The potential client shouldn’t expect you to do work for free on the chance that he’ll become a paying client.
6. The client says anything that sounds like, “This work will be great experience for you” as a reason to pay you very little.
Similar phrases include “This will be great exposure for you,” and “I can’t afford a lot, but I’ll make sure to promote your work.” Translation: “I’m doing you a favour by hiring you for this project and to thank me, you should charge me very little.”
7. The client suddenly changes the terms of the contract or the work you’re hired to do without explanation or discussion.
This is a sign the client might try to get away with not paying you what was agreed in the contract or is trying to get more work out of you without extra pay. Any changes to the contract or the work included in the contract should be agreed to by both parties. Attempts to unilaterally change the agreement could be the start of trouble.
8. You have a bad feeling.
Trust your gut. If you have a bad feeling about a client or contract, listen to it. You’re probably right and continuing to work with the client could result in a lot of trouble.
For many writers, the decision to walk away from a contract is agonizing at best. To make it easier, decide what you will and won’t put up with and stick to that. When your client reaches the limit of what you’ll put up with, walk away. Then, make a mental note about what went wrong so you can avoid similar situations in the future.
How to go about leaving a contract is another thing. We’ll deal that with in a different post.
