This’ll be a short one today because I am more fortunate nowadays to have a client worth keeping.
But early on in my career, I didn’t know this and to be honest, I suffered through a lot. And I even ended up with clients who ran out on me and didn’t need to pay because we didn’t have a proper contract.
So many work relationships I could’ve avoided.
So…
Did you know that you are allowed to end a relationship with your client?
Not just when they’re abusive or refuse to pay (…although both of those are obvious reasons…), but also when the work consistently drains you more than it pays you.
When every revision request comes with a side of condescension.
When you dread opening their emails.
When the money isn’t worth what it costs you to earn it.
That’s enough reason.
You don’t need a dramatic incident to justify walking away. A slow, quiet mismatch is just as valid.
When to Walk
A few clear signs:
- The scope keeps expanding and the rate never does
- You’ve had the same boundary conversation more than twice
- The work has stopped being something you can be proud of
- They make you feel like a vendor, not a professional
If you recognize more than one of those… you already know.
How to Do It Cleanly
Short.
Professional.
No over-explaining.
Something like: “I wanted to let you know that I’ll be wrapping up my availability for new work from your end after [date]. I’ll make sure everything currently in progress is delivered cleanly before then.”
That’s it.
You don’t owe them a reason.
You don’t need to apologize.
You just need to give reasonable notice and finish what’s already started.
Why? It’s a Good Business Decision
The energy you spend managing a difficult client relationship is energy you’re not spending on better work, better clients, or your own creative health.
Holding on to a bad client because it feels safer than the gap they leave… that’s fear talking, not strategy.
The gap fills.
It always does.
And usually with something better.
So always make sure that you’re constantly improving on yourself so that if and when that gap occurs, you’ll have a very attractive portfolio and skillset that better clients will want to hire.
Now I said I have a client worth keeping. Nd I am very fortunate for the opportunities they’ve afforded me.
But that doesn’t mean I’ve been complacent. So keep improving on yourself.
