Hi Reader,

Happy Friday!

I've taken most of this week off as it's my birthday tomorrow and I'm off to Paris on Monday (no newsletter next Friday!). I've spent the week swimming, playing volleyball, having a massage, relaxing in a spa, and taking nice walks.

Basically, spending as much time outside and away from my laptop as possible!

P.S. This week on Instagram I shared how I've made £300k freelancing over the past two years. Watch it here.

Anyway, here's what I've been up to this week work-wise:

👉 I wrote 1 piece for Klaviyo

👉 I refreshed 1 piece for Shopify

👉 I got all my ducks in a row for my holiday

👉 I ran a case study interview for a client

👉 I sent my August invoices (reminder to do so if you haven't yet!)

⏱ Approx hours spent on client work this week: ~6

⏱ Approx hours spent on non-client work: ~1

💰 Total revenue this week: £1,870

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Check out my three practical courses that have helped 500+ people get more clients, earn more money, and create better content.

Friday Freelance Tip​​ ✨ ​

Look, not all client relationships are good.

I’ve had my fair share of absolute horror stories, including the client who called me at 9pm on a Saturday demanding I ran edits right there and then, and another who asked me “what I did as a day job because I can’t possibly be making enough writing.” 🙄

I often get asked what’s a fire-able offense and my honest answer is: anything can be a fire-able offense if you want it to be.

Feel uncomfortable? Fire them. Aren’t happy with the work? Fire them. Feel stressed every time you get an email from them? Fire them.

The beauty of freelancing is we get to choose who we work with.

Here are some of the (very real) reasons I’ve fired clients in the past. Carry on reading for some scripts you can use if you want to do the same!

• The client questioned my “silly little ideas” (their words)

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This was a sackable offense on the spot. I was on a Zoom call with the client when they said this and I simply responded “I don’t think this is a good fit” and hung up. And then cried. A lot.

• The client kept adding more work to the project scope but wouldn’t pay any more money

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It was such a subtle increase that I barely noticed until I realised I was spending almost double the amount of time I should be working on pieces for this client.

I did ask for a pay increase, but they said they didn’t have the budget but they “really needed this extra scope because that’s what their CEO wants”. I politely declined and said we weren’t a good fit right now and they could absolutely come back to me when they had the increased budget.

• The client couldn’t afford my rate increase

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This was a sad one because I really loved working with the client.

As most of you know, I increase my rates at least once a year but I hadn’t increased my rates with this particular client for 2 years because they were one of the OGs and were great to work with. It got to a point where they were paying me significantly less than my other clients and I thought it was unfair.

So I put forward a rate increase that was still lower than my rates at the time, but considerably higher than what they were paying me. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the budget for it and we parted ways. I recommended some other freelancers who might have been a better fit.

• The client kept going silent for weeks so I couldn’t plan my schedule

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This one was really frustrating because the project was exciting. But every time it felt like we were moving forward, I’d hear nothing but crickets for weeks. It really messed up my ability to plan my schedule, especially when the client would come back two weeks later asking for a draft in a couple of days.

I eventually had to say that our processes weren’t a match right now and wished them well. I didn’t recommend any other freelancers because they were a total nightmare to work with and I wouldn’t wish that upon anyone.

• The client said they were paying another freelancer much less and could I drop down to their rate

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Urgh, no. Once we’ve agreed on a price, I’m not going to lower my rate because someone else is charging less. You knew what you signed up for, so it’s super cheeky to then try and backtrack and use the excuse that you’re paying someone else less.

This was a no-brainer for me. I think I said “it sounds like you’ve found a better fit for you right now, best of luck with the project”.

Yes, it can be really empowering to fire an awful client, but I also know that a lot of people don’t have that luxury. I’ve continued working with shitty clients way longer than I should have done because I needed the money and I’m very grateful that I don’t have to put up with that anymore.

I also know a lot of freelancers are terrified of burning bridges, which is why I always recommend firing a client in a professional, dignified way (except if they call you “silly”, in which case, feel free to go nuclear on them).

Here are some starter scripts you can use if you’re feeling stuck. Feel free to customise them to suit your own voice and client relationships.

1. Client doesn’t have the budget

Hi [Client’s Name],

I wanted to reach out and say that I’ve enjoyed working with you on [Project Name]. However, I understand that budget constraints are making it difficult to continue the project.

Given the current financial limitations, I think it’s best for both of us to finish up our work at this time. Please let me know how you’d like to wrap things up, and I’m happy to assist with the transition.

Wishing you all the best, [Your Name]

2. The client was rude

Hi [Client’s Name],

After some reflection, I’ve decided it’s best to end our current project. I value mutual respect and professionalism in all my client relationships, and unfortunately, I’ve felt this hasn’t been the case recently.

I appreciate the opportunity to work together but believe it’s in both our interests to part ways. Please let me know how you’d like to finalise any remaining work.

Thank you, [Your Name]

3. The client has bad processes that affect your workflow

Hi [Client’s Name],

I wanted to touch base regarding the workflow and processes for [Project Name]. Despite our best efforts, it seems our working styles and processes are not aligning as smoothly as hoped.

Because of this, I think it’s best to wrap up our current project—happy to help with any final steps.

Thank you for the opportunity to work together, and I wish you all the success moving forward.

Best, [Your Name]

4. The scope creep is getting way out of control

Hi [Client’s Name],

I’ve noticed the scope of [Project Name] has been slowly expanding beyond our original agreement, and the requirements have become a little confusing. Despite attempts to manage this, I think it’s best if we finish up our engagement.

Let’s discuss how to finalise the work done so far. I appreciate the chance to work together and hope our paths cross again in the future.

Best regards, [Your Name]

5. The client is unresponsive

Hi [Client’s Name],

I’ve tried reaching out several times regarding [Project Name], but I haven’t received a response. I understand that things can get busy, but to move forward effectively, communication is key.

Given the lack of response, I think it’s best to finish our work on this project. Please let me know how you’d like to wrap things up.

Thank you for the opportunity, and I wish you the best with your future projects.

Best, [Your Name]

6. The client NEVER pays on time

Hi [Client’s Name],

I wanted to discuss the payment schedule for [Project Name]. I’ve noticed that payments have consistently been delayed, which has made it challenging to continue our work together.

Unfortunately, this isn’t sustainable for me, so I think it’s best for us to part ways. I’m happy to help with the transition and ensure everything is in order.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards, [Your Name]

7. You just don’t enjoy working on the project anymore

Hi [Client’s Name],

I wanted to let you know that I’ve decided to shift my focus towards other projects that are more aligned with my current interests. While I’ve enjoyed working on [Project Name], I think it’s best to end our collaboration at this time.

Please let me know how you’d like to finish up the project, and I’ll do my best to make the transition smooth.

Thank you for understanding.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Let me know if you plan on using any of these scripts, or if you just need moral support!

This week, we have a diary from Abdul Wali Mansoor — a part-time B2C writer.

Where are you based? Pakistan 🇵🇰

How long have you been freelancing? Approximately 2 years.

What do you do? I mostly write about entertainment (Gaming, Books, Movies, etc)

What was your 2023 revenue? Between $3000-4000

How much did you take as a salary? I netted over $3500.

Abdul operates as a sole trader.

What are your business expenses? Less than $50 per month.

But I’ve also spent more money on A Lenovo Legion laptop ($1400), a Pixel 8 ($600), a Oneplus 12 ($750) and plenty of other stuff I didn't need.

Since it was my first few paychecks, I spent it all, I'm much more careful of where my money goes now.

Do you contribute to a pension? No

Do you have any hot money-management tips?

If you suck at personal finance like me, invest in the YNAB App and make it an addiction! Your finances will thank you.

As always, happy freelancing :)

Lizzie ✨

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