2 Difficult Situations Freelancers Face (and How to Handle Them)
When it comes to freelancing, there are a couple common situations that every freelancer finds themselves in at one point or the other. From changing your rates to parting ways, dealing with issues is part of the work.
Here’s the thing: while freelance work can be incredibly rewarding, it’s not without its challenging scenarios. And, with no employee handbook or HR to fall back on, it’s important to understand how to face them.
Here are a couple of the most common difficult situations you might find yourself in as a freelancer… so that you can know how to deal with them.
2 Difficult Situations That Freelancers Might Find Themselves In
As a freelancer, your plate often gets full. Whether you’re scrolling through a seemingly endless inbox or chasing down invoices, there’s always something going on.
However, outside of the typical freelance day-to-day, there are two main situations that I’ve found most freelancers will have to eventually face.
Difficult situation #1: How to change your freelance rates.
One of the most common issues that you’ll see as a freelancer? The eventual need to change your rates — and, usually, to raise them.
Changing your rates is a normal (and important) part of being a freelancer. The kicker? You need to make sure to approach it the right way. First up: do it with appreciation and professionalism.
Whether you communicate the change by email, audio note or in a meeting, be sure to start by expressing gratitude for your client and a couple reasons why you enjoy working with them.
Usually, clients are willing to accommodate the increase or change because they know it takes a lot of time and energy to find a new freelancer. And, you already know their systems and processes — which can be worth a lot to your client.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that any time you’re addressing finances and pay with a client, you’re taking a calculated risk. There’s a chance that the client will decide to end the contract, so make sure you’re at peace with that possibility.
Here are three signs that you will be successful with increasing your rates with a client:
You have worked together for at least 3 to 6 months.
In general, it’s a good idea to work with a client for at least three to six months before increasing your rates or changing your payment structure.
If you’ve been working with the client for less than that, the relationship is probably too new to have built the trust that a change like this needs.
You consistently provide high performance.
The next step? Making sure that you’re consistently providing top-notch work that necessitates the raise you’re asking for.
Truly, this can be a little tricky to gauge because not all business owners give much feedback.
But, if you’re consistently hitting deadlines and aren’t receiving significant negative feedback, it’s probably safe to assume that the client is mostly happy with your performance.
If you aren’t entirely sure, reach out to the client ahead of communicating your new rates, ask for one to three things they would like to see you do differently and then implement those changes.
You’re suggesting a small change
If you’ve been feeling like you’ve been undercharging for a while, be thoughtful about how big or small of a change you’re making.
For example, if you’re charging $25 an hour right now and feel like you really deserve $45, it’s going to be hard for most business owners to agree to that large of a step up all at once.
Typically an increase of $5 to $10 per hour will be easier for the business owner to accept. In the example above, you could step up your rate every three to six months so it’s more manageable and gives you time to establish trust with your client at the new rate.
And, if you have a positive working relationship, chances are good that the client will want to continue working together. If they don’t, you can use this as an opportunity to connect with a more ideal client.
Difficult situation 2: Letting go of a client
Next up? Deciding to cut ties with a client, which is something that almost every freelancer will find themselves doing at some point. As a freelancer, projects and clients sometimes run their course.
However, you’ll always want to end your contracts on a good note. The key — thinking it through and approaching it with care.
5 signs it’s time to fire a freelance client.
Is there anything harder than firing a client? I’ve done it once, and I can honestly say.. No. It’s difficult no matter what, and can take up a lot of headspace.
But, at the same time, letting go of a client that’s not the ideal fit can make room for one who is.
Consider this list of signs that it’s time to part ways from a freelance client:
You’re not being paid enough, and the client isn’t willing to increase your rate.
You don’t get to do work you enjoy… ever.
The client is controlling or tends to micromanage your work regularly. (Read: they have trust issues and there’s nothing you can do about it.)
You land a client that’s a better fit for your business, and you don’t have capacity for both.
They are no longer your ideal client, and the partnership is no longer mutually beneficial.
If any of the above sounds familiar to you, it may very well be time to let go of your client. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not still a tough decision.
It’s natural to worry if you’re doing the right thing. But, keep in mind that you’re letting them go for a reason (or many reasons), and what’s best for you is best for them.
How to part ways with a client.
First up, check the contract if you have one (and you should). Make sure you’re clear about whether you need to provide two weeks or 30-days notice, and plan accordingly.
On another note, it’s common for the client to terminate immediately when a freelancer ends a contract, not having you wrap up the work currently in progress. Hopefully, this isn’t the case — but it’s best to be prepared for several possible outcomes.
Once you’re clear on the terms of your contract, write an email that is clear and concise. You don’t owe anyone a lengthy explanation.
You could say something like…
Dear [Client],
I wanted to reach out to let you know that our work won’t be continuing after [date the contract will end].
Thank you for the opportunity to work with [you or business name]
At this time, [I need more time to focus on my family / I have accepted a new client that requires more of my time].
Let me know what I can do to help wrap up the work that’s currently in progress.
Thank you,
[Name]
The benefits of sending an email are that you have documented your intention to end the contract and given the business owner some space to process.
Again, all outcomes are possible. So, regardless of the email, be prepared for the possibility of an immediate end to your work.
Finally, take care of yourself. Do something kind just for you. Releasing a client is one of the hardest things you can do as a freelancer, no matter how necessary it may be.
Tough situations are part of being a freelancer.
As a freelancer, you’re doing something that people across the world wish they could do. However, being your own boss comes with its own set of issues… financial and contractual ones are often at the top of this list.
By thinking ahead when it comes to freelance situations, you can come out on top. After all, you deserve it.
