When to Dump a Client

Freelancers and small businesess are often taught to treat every client like gold and that is especially true when you’re an LGBTQ+ person who is trying to build and develop your career. Txhe reality is, though, that not all clients are worth your energy, your expertise, or your peace of mind. Sometimes the most strategic thing you can do is walk away.

I didn’t walk away this year and not duming that client during a time that was particularly quiet work wise ended up costing me in the long run - not just finanically, but in terms of my physical health and wellbeing.

So, how do you know when it’s time to dump a client?

1. They Don’t Respect Your Boundaries

If a client expects 24/7 availability, ignores agreed communication channels, or tries to push you into “just one more thing” outside of scope, it’s a red flag. Respect is non-negotiable and in doing this, they consistently fail to recognise the value of your time and energy.

2. They Don’t Pay On Time

Cashflow is survival; if a client consistently pays late, argues over invoices, or tries to renegotiate after the work is complete, they’re showing you exactly how much they value your work. Spoiler: it’s not enough.

This month, I had two late payments, but it’s the response to those that signalled to me exactly why I worked with these clients continually: in both instances, they apologised and it was an oversight and was corrected within 48 hours. Don’t let people mess you about.

3. They Undermine Your Expertise

You’re hired for your skills and insight - if a client constantly second-guesses, micromanages, or dismisses your judgment, you’ll never be able to deliver your best.

I’ve seen this often happen where projects are handed over to the wrong person within a project - for example a marketing project to a design agency, or vice-versa. People who do not respect you will never support you to do your best work.

4. They’re Frustrated That You’re Part of a Union

If your involvement in a union, professional association, or collective becomes “an issue” for a client, that’s a problem. A massive red-flag billowing in the wind. The client is telling you they don’t respect your right to advocate for fair working conditions which usually means they’re hoping you won’t. That’s a client who sees you as disposable, not professional and not someone you want to work with. AVOID.

5. The Work No Longer Aligns

Businesses evolve and so do you and your needs, wants and priorities. A client who once fit may now drain your energy or clash with your alues. Or maybe you started in copywriting and now are pursuing brand management; that’s not a failure, it’s testament to the ways you’ve grown your business. Freeing up space allows you to work with those who are aligned with your current direction.

6. They Cause More Stress Than They’re Worth

If working with someone leaves you anxious, resentful, or dreading their emails, it’s not worth it. Stress is a cost you can’t invoice for - take it from the queer who spent the summer lying horizontally and having panic attacks when she opened her emails.

The Bottom Line

Dumping a client doesn’t make you unprofessional; it makes you strategic. Your time and energy are finite. Invest them in clients who respect your boundaries, value your work, and aren’t threatened by you standing up for yourself.

The best clients aren’t just the ones who pay well - they’re the ones who allow you to do your best work, sustainably.