We recently brought you a sick-day survival guide for the freelance life. Given that going ill means losing pay, resources like these are essential for getting back on your feet. All the better for earning again before sickness takes its financial toll.
But, guides like these are only meant to tide you over during short-term bugs. As such, you may be left wondering what to do when you’re dealing with a long-term health issue. Whether you receive an ongoing diagnosis or an injury which sets you back for months, problems like these are terrible news when you’re freelance.
In some ways, you can take steps to protect your finances here. Health insurance, for instance, can at least cover the expenses of long-term illness. Equally, depending on the cause of your injury, you may be able to seek the help of a personal injury law firm to gain compensation for the work you’ve lost. These are fantastic security measures which can keep you afloat. But, they won’t help when it comes to one pressing issue; how do you keep your clients onboard during times like these?
You don’t need us to tell you that mud sticks. Annoying one client could see you losing business all over. Hence why we’re going to look at a few ways to keep clients on board when dealing with long-term health troubles.
Be Honest
To some extent, honesty really is the best policy. Though clients will focus on the business side of things, they’re human too. By letting them know what’s happening, you can buy yourself at least a little leeway. Even if a client decides to seek services elsewhere, there’s less chance they’ll hold unfinished work against you. As such, you leave the doors open to work with them again in the future. At the very least, this should keep your reputation intact.
Show that you’re making an effort
If a client does stay with you after you spill the beans, it’s essential you show them you’re still making an effort. While your workload is sure to decrease, extending the deadline could still see you producing what they want. Rather than holding your hands up and admitting defeat, this proves you’re a trooper. What’s more, it allows you to complete work at a pace which suits your new situation. Obviously, this won’t always work, and if that’s the case, it’s crucial that you…
Don’t commit to unrealistic goals
Even if you’re willing to work while sick, your body might not be. What’s more, pushing yourself could see you suffering more. That’s if you even manage to finish the work you’ve agreed to. While it makes sense that you wouldn’t want to lose clients, it’s essential you remain realistic. It’s better to hold your hands up and pass a job on than to stick with it and let your client down. Again, being honest here could keep communications positive. The same can’t be said if you fight for the job and then fail to produce the work.
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