So I withdrew.

If the pre-INTERVIEW process is this disrespectful, can you imagine what the actual work experience would be like?

No.

Funny timing. I let go of a client just yesterday.

The problem was that the client kept changing the assignment. After it happened a few times, I talked to the editor and said, essentially, “I’m concerned becuase if your publisher doesn’t really know what he wants, I can’t possibly meet expectations.”

She assured me we were now on track.

Then, Wednesday, she placed new restrictions on the reporting for the assignment again. Aaaak!

I simply had to say that I didn’t think I could hit a moving target.

One reason I was particularly comfortable giving up this assignment, however, was that it was for a regional publication that I’d have not likely got more assignments from. So I didn’t think I was cutting off future business.

Can I tell you how relieved I am to have that assignment off my plate?!

Have a great weekend.

I agree. It’s usually a waste of everyone’s time to be so focused on spinning wheels with a difficult person. I’ve dealt with all sorts of people over the years and not all of them have been easy to get along with.

For the most part, differences can be overlooked and the project can be completed successfully. But there are times, situations, or clients that just don’t fit no matter how much you want it to fit.

I have to tell you that I enjoy reading your blog because you discuss these tough issues. So, thanks for that.

I’ve been a freelance for longer than I’d like to admit, and I agree with you that we need to trust our instincts. There have been times from the first start-up call on a project that I’ve known things would not work out well. Unfortunately, it took me a long time to realize that I need to walk away in these situations.

Then there’s always the issue of “firing” our clients, the ones who are rarely satisfied and who give us just too much drama. I don’t think we should ever be afraid to do that, even in this economy.

Hope slamming against instinct – it’s what makes this job interesting. 🙂