Pardon my French
I tell ya, I’m such a dumbass.
I’m on retainer with a company, and I just forced the issue that they seemed to be using me less and less. I was finding myself asking for things to work on every week or so, and the projects were diminishing.
The problem: My integrity. I wasn’t providing the full value of my retainer, and I could feel it getting worse. So I pushed the CEO to say what was on his mind, which was basically that yes, there wasn’t much work but that he was feeling bad about taking me off retainer.
So, basically I either dumped them or forced them to dump me. But I just couldn’t stand to sit around earning his money without giving him value.
So, does anyone have another HUGE monthly project sitting around? I’ve got some extra time….
Yep. Dumbass.
Beth on 20 Aug 2008 at 12:43 pm #
Two hours after the call, I’m kind of freaking out about this.
It’s a little hard to swallow with the lump in my throat and the knot in my stomach. I’ve got ten days to find gigs to replace that revenue, or it’s off to the parents’ basement for me….
Flargh.
steph on 20 Aug 2008 at 1:03 pm #
B: something will come. I too have lost clients in this same way. More will come. it will be okay. You’ve made it this far. You will find them.
Bryan on 20 Aug 2008 at 2:05 pm #
steph is right, Beth.
I have a lot of work ahead.
Good to hear you might be available.
Beth on 20 Aug 2008 at 2:11 pm #
Bryan and Steph,
I just received a clear sign from above that all will be fine. I walked to the kitchen moments ago, whining internally that I had nothing to eat. I opened the freezer for a good sigh, and HAPPINESS! I found the last of the ice cream that D.J. bought me after the half marathon on Sunday. I had forgotten it was there!
Life is good. I have proof.
Beth on 20 Aug 2008 at 2:56 pm #
Hey — is it a good business policy to rely on karma to get me through? I’m just asking.
Craig on 20 Aug 2008 at 4:29 pm #
Provided you really seriously didn’t burn that bridge, give them a call back and apply as new client. Try to negotiate a reduced rate or something. Apologize for being hasty and ask to try again. Something. Anyting. Sounds like an apology might be called for, so apologize. If you backed them into a corner, and they are — or WERE — a valued client — you owe them that much. Try asking them if they will give you a reference, and then say, By the way, “I’m sorry for the way I behaved.” Saying “I’m sorry” works wonders. Trust me on this.
Beth on 20 Aug 2008 at 4:43 pm #
Actually the news is not nearly that dire. I did ask to not be on retainer since they weren’t using me enough. But he’ll definitely still use me at my hourly rate. But my hours will go from 25 or so a month to probably 5. I definitely didn’t burn any bridges.
Sherri on 21 Aug 2008 at 8:48 am #
Oh Beth, you’re not a dumbass. You’re silly and crazy but I wouldn’t say dumbass.
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