Firing a Client: The Emotional Rollercoaster of Letting Go

When I started freelancing, I envisioned the freedom of being my own boss — the ability to pick and choose clients, set my own hours, and not answer to anyone who didn’t get my vibe.

And don’t get me wrong, that’s the dream. But sometimes, the reality of freelancing is a little messier than a carefully curated Instagram post about your #entrepreneurlife. For example: firing a client.

Yep. It happened. And let me tell you, it was not easy.

The Emotional Struggle: Letting Go is Hard

Let’s set the scene. I took on this client who seemed perfect at first. They were referred to me, they needed my help, I had the expertise, and we were both excited to get started. But quickly, I realized we weren’t on the same wavelength. They started to act more like a boss than a collaborator — which, in case you didn’t know, is NOT what freelancing is about.

Sure, I could have gritted my teeth and pushed through, but the more I worked with them, the more I felt like I was walking on eggshells. My expertise wasn’t being valued, and my ideas weren’t being heard. I had clear systems in place to achieve their goals, and then were frustrated with me when they didn't achieve those goals doing it their own way. I was frustrated, drained, and honestly, just wasn’t enjoying my work anymore.

I know we’re all about hustle and client service in the freelancing world, but there comes a point when the stress and dissatisfaction outweigh the paycheck. And that’s when the dreaded conversation happened: I had to fire a client.

But let me be clear: it wasn’t easy.

Saying “we need to take a break from this project” or “it’s not working out” felt like a breakup that I wasn’t prepared for. But in the end, I had to remind myself: freelancing isn’t about being handcuffed to people who don’t respect my values or my work.

When Is It Time to Let Go of a Client?

First things first, check yourself. Are you meeting the agreed upon expectations? Is there something about this person that you just don't like? What is the REAL reason you want to end the working arrangement? Be specific, be able to identify when this specific issue has occurred, and make sure that the "issue" is relevant to the working arrangement.

Now, if you’re sitting there, thinking, “Okay, I get it, but how do I know when it’s time to let a client go?” Well, here’s the thing: it’s not always clear at first. But there are certain red flags you can look for that’ll tell you if a client just isn’t the right fit.

Here are a few signs you might need to start thinking about ending things:

• Lack of Respect for Your Expertise: You’re hired to bring your skills to the table, not to be micromanaged. If a client insists on controlling the direction of your work, even when it goes against your professional advice, that’s a huge red flag.

• Constantly Draining Your Energy: Freelancing should be empowering, not soul-crushing. If you feel mentally and emotionally exhausted after every interaction with a client, it’s time to ask yourself: Is this relationship worth it?

• Disrespectful Communication: A lack of clear communication, or worse, clients being rude or dismissive, is a huge no-no. We’re not here to be anyone’s punching bag, even if they pay us.

• They Don’t Respect Boundaries: We’re all about work-life balance here. If your client is constantly demanding work outside of agreed hours, asking you to do things outside of the scope of the contract, or treating you like a 24/7 service, that’s not okay.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Firing a Client

If any of this is hitting home, here are a few questions to ask yourself to help you make the call:

1. Am I constantly dreading our interactions?

2. Do I feel undervalued or ignored when I offer my expertise?

3. Is the client’s attitude draining my motivation?

4. Do they respect my time, or am I always the last priority?

5. Is my work life becoming more stressful because of this client?

If you’re answering “yes” to more than one of these, it might be time to start evaluating if this client is truly worth your energy.

What to Do If You Need to Fire a Client

If you’ve come to the conclusion that it’s time to part ways, the next step is how to do it with grace (and without burning bridges, especially if they were referred to you). Here’s how I handled it, and how you can too:

• Be Honest, But Kind: Let them know that the partnership isn’t working out. Be clear, but don’t go into attack mode. Keep it professional and diplomatic.

• Offer a Solution: If possible, try to provide a solution, like suggesting another freelancer who might be a better fit for their needs.

• Don’t Feel Guilty: This is YOUR business. You’re allowed to choose who you work with, and if the relationship isn’t serving you, it’s okay to walk away. And honestly, if you're not feeling good about it, they probably aren't either. Remember: freelancing is all about freedom, and that includes the freedom to say “no” to clients who aren’t aligned with your values.

Final Thoughts: The Freedom of Freelancing

Firing a client is tough. But it’s also one of the most empowering things you can do as a freelancer. We didn’t leave the corporate world to be tied down to clients who don’t respect our expertise or values. Freelancing is about creating a life and business that works for us, and that includes making tough calls when we need to.

So, if you’re dealing with a client who isn’t a good fit, know that it’s okay to say goodbye. Your mental health and happiness are worth more than a paycheck, and in the long run, you’ll find better clients who truly value you.

And hey, after you fire that client, treat yourself to a nice coffee (or a nap — you deserve it). ◼️