Could be worse – I had a long-time client once decide not to pay me because they decided not to use the article I'd written. Nothing doing. I still did the work. I got it, but I never worked with them again.

I'm the same. I like to be the hero once in a while, but not if every task must be done right this minute. And I don't schedule work for weekends but sometimes work to catch up or get ahead.

Cathy, to them it's two little blog posts. To you, it's more work than you can handle. Some just won't get that. And then you have to ask yourself, if you're expected to "squeeze it in" why aren't they able to in your absence? There's their AH-HA moment!

Devon, that's super advice. I love the idea of stating clearly the client's responsibilities. I've been known to say "Well, since we're a week behind, my new deadline for my turnaround is now XX." No way I'm rushing like a fool because someone else didn't meet their own deadline. That's how mistakes and unhappy clients happen. Better late and well written, I say.

Paula, I love that designer! Good for him/her! I'd be the same way. How tough would it be to check email once on a vacation? I've done it, and yes, it takes about five minutes to coordinate something. That's it.

Late last week when I was asked to do the editing job, I was told there was no rush. But the woman who assigned it to the graphic designer suddenly asked if it would be done by Monday (that would allow just 2 business days for editing AND layout!) so she could see it before she went on vacation. The designer said it was impossible, then told me, "We are NOT working all weekend just so she doesn't have to check e-mail on her vacation!"

Sometimes, projects all land in a bunch and you just put in a few extra hours. However, I've started putting in contracts that deadlines will be extended by the amount of time the client takes to get the work back to me if the CLIENT is late on a turnaround.

In other words, in the contract, let's say we have 8 weeks to get a book project done, and the contract includes two revisions, each taking two weeks FROM THE DATE THE CLIENT returns the text to me with notes. If the client takes a month to get the text back to me, I'm not suddenly scrambling to turn it around in a day because we're behind. It's two weeks for me to do the revisions from the date I get the text.

And the rush fee clause — if you want/need it turned around in less than three business days, there's a rush fee. YOU'RE the one who was late, not me. I'm not cleaning up the mess. I'm doing my work along reasonable guidelines. Your disorganization (meaning client) is YOUR problem.

It's helped a lot.

If you want to jump the queue, yeah, I'll put in the extra hours, but it's gonna cost time and a half.

I explained I have long-range projects already booked for that time and other projects requiring completion before I leave for San Diego.

Then on the good side (there always is one ☺), a long-time client has planned with me for both my trip and the Director going out on maternity leave in September (one of the reasons I have long-range projects planned before my trip). They understand they are not my only client.

If I'm booked ahead for long periods I try to let a few of my regulars know by sending an email saying I won't be available until such and such a date. I know I'm not obligated to do that as a freelancer, but they seem to appreciate it.