It’s not you, it’s me: how to break up with a client — nicely
Some relationships just aren’t meant to be. And while we know this to be true in our romantic lives, the same goes for our work lives as well. Whether it’s the client you despise or you are finding the work soul-destroying, ending a long-term, or even a not-that-long term, relationship with a client is never easy and usually awkward. And if not handled correctly, it could affect your reputation and, ultimately, your freelancing career.
Yikes!
Fortunately, there are ways to make this inevitably-uncomfortable conversation (or email) slightly more bearable. Ready to bite the bullet? Here are four tips that will help you do the dumping while keeping all your bridges intact.
1. Choose your words wisely
When a relationship comes to an end — even a working one — it can feel personal. This is why it’s advisable that you frame your reason for wanting to sever this tie in a way that doesn’t place blame on the client. Tell them that you are wanting to explore new opportunities or carve out a different niche, which tells them that you want to change your career direction, but that it isn’t personal. Smart!
2. Set an exit date and keep a paper trail
It’s important to give your soon-to-be-former client some time to find a suitable replacement, which is why giving them notice and deciding on a future end date is a good idea. Another move that can help to ease your own guilt is to provide them with some referrals who you feel could be a good fit. And, as with most big decisions in life, keep a paper trail so you have all your communication saved. You never know when (and if) you might need it.
3. Wrap up your obligations (to your usual, high standards)
We know that it’s important to remain professional at all times, and this still applies when you are ending a working relationship. You might be moving on, but that doesn’t mean that you can wash your hands clean of the tasks assigned to you when you initially accepted the job. Finish up the work to your same high standards. The last thing a freelancer needs is a bad reputation haunting them for the rest of their career.
4. Express gratitude for past opportunities
Sure, the client might be awful and the work even more so, but they nevertheless chose you and gave you the opportunity to work for, and receive money from, them. In the saturated freelance world where everyone is vying for jobs, you should always be grateful for any work that comes your way, and when severing ties with clients, let them know that you appreciate having had the opportunity to work for them. It might not be true (we won’t tell!) but it will ensure that things end on a positive note.
