Work for a Client Who Doesn’t Keep Their Word?
Connie over Write Life Guide shares four issues she’s had as a freelance writer. Interestingly enough, these can all be summarized as the failure of the client to stick to the original terms of the project.
Which brings me to my question: do you continue working for such a client? What if the client genuinely likes your work, and is always willing to pay (eventually yet still generously) for your services? What if you’re currently undergoing a dry spell and that this client will literally pay for your living costs this month?
Personally, asking these questions makes me realize the value of incessantly marketing your skills and looking for new contacts even more. My answer to the questions above is a resolute “no.” But only because my day job keeps food on the table.
In any case, I’m sure Kathy would also say “no.”
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POSTED IN: Living as a Freelancer
3 opinions for Work for a Client Who Doesn’t Keep Their Word?
Allison
Apr 3, 2008 at 1:35 pm
I guess this all comes down to not putting your eggs in one basket. As a contract worker, no mater what your industry, it is important to never let a single client have so much control over your income that if something happens to that client you can’t survive without him/her.
Karla
Apr 6, 2008 at 1:21 am
I would probably let the client off the hook the first time and gently remind him of our conditions. Fortunately for me, I have a day job to back me up, so my family and I won’t go hungry. But more than the money, I don’t want to go through the stress of worrying whether the client will pay me or not, so maybe after a warning or two, I’d seriously consider dropping the client.
Rico
Apr 6, 2008 at 10:10 am
Allison: Yes, your advice is very sensible. How many clients do you try to maintain at any time?
Karla: You have a point. The client, who’s probably as busy as we are, may have forgotten and deserves the benefit of the doubt at least once. Especially when they have a good track record.
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