how do you deal with freelancer terror? by Alison Green on June 21, 2018 I meant to make this an “ask the readers” question as per my new Thursday tradition, but I started writing just a short response to it and then it got longer and longer. So it’s not quite that anymore, but hopefully readers will weigh in as well. I’m an avid reader of your blog, even though I […] Read the full article →
how to fire a long-time client by Alison Green on February 7, 2018 A reader writes: I’m a web copywriter, and my oldest client (I’ve been with her for 6+ years) is like a family member to me. A family member who drives me nuts, is incredibly high maintenance, and likes to take all the credit for my successes, but also one who I admire and appreciate. After […] Read the full article →
what are my obligations to a client when a project drags on? by Alison Green on December 13, 2017 A reader writes: What are a consultant’s obligations to a client whose project timeline is just dragging on indefinitely? For background, the client expected work to be completed over a short amount of time (about 6 weeks) around September and October. I was paid a lump sum for the work as detailed in the original […] Read the full article →
how to turn a request for free help into paid consulting by Alison Green on May 11, 2017 A reader writes: I has a pretty specific niche job. Most people who do what I do have PhDs, and finding a job like mine is rare and coveted. I was recently at a conference describing my position, and a leader from another organization came up to me to ask me how he could find […] Read the full article →
if you’re self-employed or want to be, this post is for you by Alison Green on June 9, 2016 Are you self-employed or want to be self-employed? The comments section on this post is open for all talk related to self-employment — whether it’s frustrations with clients, the pure ecstasy of working in your pajamas, the weirdness (and sometimes pure ecstasy) of not having coworkers, what the hell is up with your taxes, questions about […] Read the full article →
how to break up with a client by Alison Green on December 2, 2015 A reader writes: Several years ago, I left a full-time job in order to freelance, and my most recent employer has remained one of my clients. I have been handling an ongoing series of projects for them, with the understanding that my contract will be renewed each year for the foreseeable future. However, the work […] Read the full article →
I don’t want to keep helping my old boss for free by Alison Green on May 28, 2015 A reader writes: I recently left a research/assistant position with a consultant in the nonprofit sector after working there for about a year. My new position (which I started this week) is full-time but they have a four-day work week. I mentioned this to my boss when I told her that I would be leaving, […] Read the full article →
my client constantly pesters me and micromanages my every move by Alison Green on February 23, 2015 A reader writes: I work as a contractor for a lice-removal company (I’m a recruiter). My tasks aren’t particularly time-sensitive — think mass mailings, follow-up texts, and phone calls. This is my second job; I work as a secretary for a local university as well. I have two questions about the company I contract with. […] Read the full article →
how to respond to a rude firing as a freelancer by Alison Green on January 29, 2015 A reader writes: As a freelancer with many different clients, occasionally some of them don’t work out. However, I’ve found that some employers can be what I consider rude when letting me go after the work I turned in was not what they wanted. One was very cordial up until the point when she wrote, […] Read the full article →
the 5 skills you need to work for yourself by Alison Green on December 8, 2014 Thinking about going into business for yourself? If you have a talent or skill or product idea that you think people would pay for, you might be tempted to strike out on your own and see if you can turn it into a business. After all, what’s better than working for yourself, having no boss, […] Read the full article →