“Reality is a mere illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” – Albert Einstein
So I had a recent disappointment with a client that lead to the end of the business relationship. But it also affected the friendship that was in place as well. We’re not too sure what the future holds, but as for now everyone is standing back and just leaving the situation to have space and breathe. In the meantime, I have to reflect on what happened, take the lessons from it and carry it with me on my freelance journey.
Know Your Worth
Anything that happens to me, good or bad I have a tendency to reflect on the could’ve, should’ve, would’ves…just a little bit. It’s important to do this because I’m a strong believer in looking at oneself along the way in order to learn and get better. Now for this particular situation that took place, I have to say there were faults of mine along the way. I was very lenient with the client/friend in terms of how much I was letting them pay me for the work I was doing.
Never do that to yourself
I knew my worth as a writer and the worth I was bringing to the person’s business. I guess at some point I took for granted that they knew my worth as well and wouldn’t misuse or overlook that worth. Boy, was I wrong. What I was doing for them at the price they were paying was dirt compared to what other freelancers may have charged and they failed to realize that. Over time it just affected everything which lead to the partnership falling apart. No need for specific details, just know that I should’ve carried myself better, stuck to my guns and walked away when I should have.
Don’t get too comfortable
If you choose to go into business with a friend, don’t get too comfortable to the point where you’re going way above and beyond for them and not benefitting from it. I don’t mean to sound selfish, but when you let yourself get used to that you end up losing out more than they do. You could’ve had someone actually recognizing and paying you for going above and beyond and getting comfortable with an unhealthy routine of a client’s bad habits and inconsistency. It’s horrible when they are unorganized, scattered individuals. They are extremely difficult to work with and you have to be prepared for anything when working with people like that. Don’t take it for granted that they will always rely on you because of their weaknesses. Instead, things just fall apart and you have to live the fact that you made a bad choice and now must learn from it.
It’s not all bad though
Yes, there was a fall out with a client, but it didn’t go without things turning around for the better on MY behalf! Right after that contract ended my clientele doubled in less than one week! So no time for boo-hooing. I had to strap on my boots, take the lessons I learned and get to work! Disappointment happens, but it’s only for a moment. The reality is how you deal with and learn from it. Be prepared to face yourself in these kinds of situations. Don’t run from your actions, learn from them and thrive!