6 Signs It’s Time to Let Go of a Freelancer
If you’re experiencing issues with a team member, there’s a chance it’s time to part ways. These are the best steps to take when a freelancer totally misses the mark and messes up… but what about if they continue messing up?
First, communicating the issue with sensitivity and being clear about what you want are super important parts in maintaining the relationship AND fixing the problem going forward.
If you’ve gone through the steps to resolve a freelancer’s mistakes a time or two already, however, it may be best to reconsider their part in your business.
Signs that it’s time to fire a freelancer.
If they’re just not getting it or not willing to work on their end of the issue, I can almost promise you that they are not the best fit for you and your business.
I know from experience that this is tough because no one wants to disappoint or hurt someone else. But sometimes there are clear situations that mean it's time to part ways.
Firing isn't easy, and it shouldn't be your immediate go-to if there's a conflict. If you’re unsure about whether you need to part ways, take a look at these potentially fire-able offenses in my book that include:
Consistently pushing or late on deadlines.
Regularly delivering subpar work.
Constantly questioning or challenging your assignments.
Stealing content, intellectual property or other confidential information.
Being difficult or defensive when receiving constructive feedback.
Too busy with other clients to focus on your projects fully.
If your freelancer fits any of these descriptions and you’ve communicated what you’d like to change with no shift on their end, it’s likely time to say goodbye and go your separate ways.
Your time and future are too valuable to be wasted on a team member who isn't invested in supporting you and your business.
How to let go of a freelancer
Once you’ve decided it’s best to move on, it’s time to have a conversation. Just like with constructive feedback, you want to go into the discussion calm and sensitive of how you deliver the news.
Be gracious and appreciative of their past work while being clear that it's not a good fit long-term.
You can actually part ways with a freelancer peacefully if you keep your composure and steer the conversation more about you and your needs, and less about blaming them for things not working out. The ball is in your court for maintaining civility and not turning the split into pointing fingers.
What to say when letting go of a team member:
When you want to keep it brief:
You’ve been an integral part of my business as it’s shifted and grown over the past [length of time they’ve been with you], but we seem to have different priorities and communication styles. I think it’s best that we no longer worked together.
When it’s important to reiterate the misalignment between you and your team member:
I am so appreciative of your time and work over the past [length of time they’ve been with you]. While you’ve supported me greatly on [name the tasks they’ve done decently or well], we’ve continued to miss the mark on [name the tasks they haven’t been able to improve], so I think it’s best we part ways.
When you’d like to provide helpful details on your expectations vs. the reality of the partnership:
Thank you so much for your work on [projects they’ve assisted on]. Your time and efforts have not gone unnoticed, however, going forward, I am going to need a [position title] who is a bit more aligned with strict deadlines and open communication [or a vague overview of what they’ve been missing the mark on]. For now, I’m going to step away from our partnership, and I wish you all the best.
You don’t need to explain yourself any more than this.
You could do it in a meeting, a voice memo or an email. Go with the approach that you’re most comfortable with because that means it will come across more genuinely.
For more information on letting go of a freelancer and protecting your business, read this post.
Letting go of a freelancer isn’t easy, but usually, it’s worth it.
While it’s a difficult conversation to have, you’ll feel relieved and freed up to find someone more in tune with your goals and the direction your business is headed.
Finding the right support is always worth a moment of tension, and after parting ways, you’ll be clearer than ever on what you want in a freelancer going forward! Your business (and you) deserve that.
