I’ve not named any publicly either, Paula. I change up the details enough that they wouldn’t recognize themselves even if they were reading. Hmm, would be interesting if they thought ‘Wow, that client’s a real jerk!’ wouldn’t it?

I wish I could say the same about clients not actively trying to cheat writers. I’ve had it happen, thankfully just a few times, that the intent from the outset was to get as much work out of me as possible before they disappeared. It’s why payment up front makes so much sense.

Gee, $20 an hour and they wonder why they’re not keeping freelancers? Wonder what the workload is like. I know someone who just quit a FT job because it required them to work from 5 am to well past 6 pm. No benefits, of course.

It’s when I see employers/clients like that that I wonder about the karma that’s owed to so many people out there.

The worst clients weren’t trying to actively cheat writers. They simply didn’t know how to treat us properly. Maybe one day they’ll realized their turnover rate wouldn’t be as high if they learn to treat freelancers with professional respect.

That reminds me: lately I’ve noticed multiple job listings from the same content company. Every couple months they advertise for the same freelance positions. Their first mistake: admitting they only pay $20/hour. Just a theory, but maybe if they paid better, or demanded less for the amount they pay, contributors would last more than a couple weeks?

Gabriella, that sounds like the client burned the bridge, not you. And good riddance to him!

About that pseudo-partnership on his business launch: you nailed it. That’s exactly what he expected — your unwavering loyalty and buy-in to his passion. When will some of these people learn that their labor of love is not our sacrifice, too?

Once had a client who insisted on weekly, unpaid “team” calls. Since I wasn’t getting paid and I had paying work in front of me, I skipped the second call. My god, my phones and email went nuts — where are you? We’re having a team call, did you forget? Phone in as soon as you can.

I did. Not once did they ask me a question, refer to anything I was doing, or pay me for my time. This is the same client who asked if I’d refer prospective clients to them. Right. Next!

I’ve burned a bridge only once that I recall, and it was for the same reason you did. The client was beginning to be a slow payer. Eventually, he asked if he could pay by credit card. I don’t remember exactly how it devolved from there, but in the end, the client got mad when I wasn’t a team player on his launch.

Nope, dude, you launched a business. I already have one. If you want a partner, that’s a different story.

Don’t get me wrong. I go above and beyond for lots of clients in lots of ways. But the ones who EXPECT you to roll with their punches and get mad if you don’t? Nope, you’ve got the wrong gal.