How to Fire a Really Bad Client That Makes You Miserable

Not all contract partnerships work. Occasionally things don’t go as planned and it’s necessary to evaluate your situation and decide whether or not it should keep moving forward.

Back in 2017, I wrote 4 Reasons to Fire Crappy Clients to help you make this type of decision. If you’re ready to move on, read on.

First, Try to Resolve the Issue

Have a candid conversation with your main client contact and explain your concern. Keep the exchange factual and professional. Talk about how the project isn’t within the scope of your contract or onboarding discussion.

Sometimes small miscommunications or a lost document rest at the heart of the concern. More than once I’ve received a, “Oh, well that makes sense. I forgot to send you those notes/guidelines/spreadsheets. Of course, you didn’t have the information needed!”

If this is the case, thank the client for taking care of the issue and keep working away! If the situation isn’t able to be resolved in a timely, courteous way consider ending the relationship.

Review Your Contractual Obligations

Take a few minutes to understand the details in your contract for hire. Is there a clause about breaking the contract? Is…