The Bad Client Playbook

Red Flags, Boundaries, and How to Fire Clients Gracefully

De: Sam Patterson

Narrado por: Tony J Martin

Your time and skills are valuable, and your bad clients are holding you back. It’s time to cut ties! Do you have a nightmare client who’s costing you more time and money than they’re worth? Or perhaps you have a difficult one who you’re not sure won’t become a problem further down the line. Maybe you have neither, but you’ve had them before, and now you’re determined to spot them before you agree to work with them. Nearly every freelancer has a story to tell about a client who made their life hell—and they’ll all tell you that it took its toll on their health, happiness, and job satisfaction. You didn’t start your freelance career to be in this situation. You started it because you have a valuable skill that deserves to be paid for fairly—and because you want the freedom that comes with working for yourself. Your nightmare client is crushing that dream and holding you back from the business you deserve… so it’s time to take action!

Sam Patterson has interviewed over 60 freelancers in depth, and using their stories, he’s created a framework you can use to screen clients before you work with them, recognize when it’s time to cut ties, and fire them professionally without landing yourself in a legal mess.

Firing your nightmare clients is the best decision you’ll ever make, and it will be much easier to replace the money you were getting from them than you think. This essential guide for freelancers will show you how.

It’s normal to feel guilty about terminating a contract with a client, and it’s natural to worry about whether you’ll be able to replace the income. But the reality is that a nightmare client is costing you far more than they’re benefiting you, and you deserve better. It’s time to make a change. The right time to drop a nightmare client is now!

©2025 Sam Patterson (P)2025 Sam Patterson

Direct and Practical

The Bad Client Playbook is a clear, no-nonsense guide for identifying red flags and protecting your time and energy. The advice on boundaries and firing clients is practical, professional, and easy to apply. A must-listen for freelancers or business owners who want healthier client relationships.