Comments on: The Disappointed Feeling that Comes from Disappointing

By: Lis Garrett

Lis Garrett — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:31:29 +0000

Honestly, I think your client should be thanking you for being so upfront about it rather than him being stuck with what might not have been your very best work. I think that speaks volumes about your work ethic.

By: Lorna Doone Brewer

Lorna Doone Brewer — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 07:32:08 +0000

Thanks, everyone, for your words of encouragement. Sometimes it’s nice to know that others have been in the same boat. As a follow up, I’ll let you know that the client was very gracious about it and still wants to work with me on other projects. Whew!

By: Linda

Linda — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:11:20 +0000

Oh, I know that disappointment! A very long time ago, very early in my freelance career, a podiatrist wanted help writing a book on plastic surgery of the foot. It seemed like a good project at the time, but the problem was that every time I'd look at the source material and the photographs I'd get woozy and nauseated. I eventually admitted defeat and found another writer for him. My big disappointment was in how long I struggled before I could admit to my inability to do the assignment. Lindas last blog post..An Unexpected Partnership

By: Allena

Allena — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:41:50 +0000

dah, every freelancer has been there. how can I make you feel better? well, I'm still around, and I've screwed up royally in the past. Does that help? Be like Dory "Just keep swimming." Allenas last blog post..Intro to Magazine Writing; Guest Post by Jan Lundy, Author of "Your Truest Self"

By: Billie Gaura

Billie Gaura — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:29:37 +0000

You TOTALLY did the right thing! We recently bowed out of a web project that would have commanded a high price tag. I made this decision partially because we would have had to spend hours and hours unpaid while we did the research to gain footing, but more importantly than that, I knew that it would drain my team and consume every resource we had in house and therefore, our other clients would suffer. You did the right thing for your own business as well as for the businesses of your other clients who rely on you to be focused and happy so that you can catapult them to the next levels with your brilliant writing! : ) As your client, I for one am grateful to you for your decision!

Billie

By: Genesis

Genesis — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:59:05 +0000

Ouch, I know how you feel. I`ve turned down work because of that same reason. It`s definitely not fun and you feel awful, but think of how awful you would have felt if you turned in substandard work and spent all that time and effort stressing over it only to have the entire project rejected. You definitely did the right thing!

Focus on the work you are able to do and spend the time you would have spent stressing over that job snuggling with Dot! You`ll feel much better.

By: Michele

Michele — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:13:07 +0000

Hey, Lorna!

First of all, I want to offer up lots of cyber hugs: ((((((HUGS))))))

I’ve actually had a similar experience. When I first agreed to the project, the client and I was elated. Like you, the realization came that I was in over my head. I was honest with my client and told them I was in over my head and I felt I wouldn’t do the project justice. The client thanked me for my honesty and that was that.

Hold your chin up and keep writing!

*smiles*
Michele

Micheles last blog post..Health Sites I Love