The Courage to Cut Ties: 3 Reasons I Let My Client Go
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Chapter 1: The Decision to Move On
As a freelance writer, I made the bold choice to part ways with one of my long-standing clients. You might think I'm out of my mind, but here are the three primary reasons behind my decision.
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Section 1.1: Late Payments
It’s a common issue in freelancing, yet it’s worth mentioning. My invoices, which were due in 30 days, often saw payments delayed until 40 to 45 days. For me, this wasn’t a major issue, as writing isn’t my sole source of income. However, for those relying entirely on freelance writing, delayed payments can pose significant challenges. The delay stemmed from the company’s slow payment approval process, which involved a third-party vendor. While late payments alone wouldn’t compel me to sever ties, they certainly contributed to my overall dissatisfaction.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Importance of Timely Compensation
Section 1.2: Changes in Management
The company was experiencing rapid growth, which is generally positive. However, this meant that the person I initially collaborated with had been promoted and was no longer overseeing my projects. A new content manager was brought on board to handle my assignments and communication. My first interaction with this new manager, unfortunately, left much to be desired. After a brief exchange of greetings, he assigned me an article with a tentative deadline. When unforeseen life events hindered my ability to submit on time, his response was curt: “If we continue working together, I will expect your writing to be on time.”
This was the final straw, and I terminated our working relationship just ten minutes later.
Chapter 2: Embracing Freelance Freedom
The first video highlights the experiences of freelancers who faced challenges with clients and the lessons learned from those situations.
The second video discusses the critical moments when professionals decide to part ways with clients, providing insights into the reasoning behind these decisions.
I Am Not an Employee
Some may argue that my decision was impulsive, but I firmly believe that freelancing means having the freedom to choose whom I work with. The tone of the message I received felt threatening, and I realized that I should be the one in control of my professional relationships. This autonomy is precisely why I love freelancing. I can determine my own deadlines, set my rates, and if a client’s management style doesn’t sit well with me, I can walk away without hesitation.
In an economy where creators hold significant power, it’s crucial to prioritize our well-being. If a client feels more like a burden than a benefit, it’s time to let them go. I felt a surge of empowerment after making this decision, and within a week, I had replaced that client with another offering a higher rate.