Why Firing Some Clients is a Good Thing

by shawnlebrun

Posted: 11 years ago 30 replies

COPY WRITING

I understand that many folks on this forum are "newer" and may have a bit of trouble landing clients...

But if you're currently working with/for clients who are making your life LESS content... fire them. Like, now.

Now, I'm not saying fire a client who is simply demanding, or who wants good copy and a good job done, or a client who is simply direct.

I'm talking about a client who just makes you feel sick to your stomach, full of anxiety, and actual dread about working with them.

I bring this up because I recently coached a copy student, and he got his first copy gig a few weeks back.

He emailed me a few days ago to tell me that he was happy he landed his first client, but that this client was making his life hell.

It took me all of 3 seconds to spit out "fire him, now"

Thankfully, my former student hadn't done any actual writing, just mostly research... so he wasn't out a ton of time/money.

But I told him it is NEVER worth sacrificing your happiness, contentment, and integrity to satisfy a rude or arrogant client.

The funny thing is, I told him something weird will happen.. that once he fires this client, a new and better opportunity will appear. And it did, as of this morning. a better paying gig.

Look, it's YOUR choice who you want to work with. My advice is to work with clients who inspire you, energize you, and make you feel glad you're in this line of work.

Because it's THOSE clients who will allow you to do your best work... because when you're happy... you do good work. Do good work and your client is happy.

But what if a client makes you feel like sh*t? are you likely to give it your best shot?

Nope.

It's important to love your work. And the only way to do that is to LOVE your clients.

Personally, some of the best clients I've EVER worked with have been here on this forum.

And the ones I didn't want to work with, I didn't.

Again, it's YOUR choice. Don't sell your happiness for a paycheck, it's not worth it.

If you're working with anyone and everyone right now... just be more aware of your "ideal client"

the client you get along with, who inspires you to WANT to do your best.

Heck, just this past week, I landed 4 clients who were 4 of the nicest guys I've ever met.

The one who seemed arrogant?

Deleted.

So if there's one big piece of advice i can give newer copywriters here... it's to be choosy with your clients. I know right now, with bills to pay, it may seem tough to do.

But believe me... the universe has a way of working it out, and a newer and better opportunity will come around soon.

So when you're talking with a prospect, don't be afraid to ask yourself if this person would be an ideal client.

Choose your clients instead of taking on a client who may be a headache for you.

No one has the right to make you feel like sh*t, so it really is your choice.

By working with your ideal clients... you'll increase your productivity and your happiness will skyrocket. the quality of work increases too.

These days, if I even sniff out the chance that a client will be a problem, I won't work with them.

And it's made my life so much better.

So, don't feel like you have no choice in the matter when dealing with difficult clients... you have all the choice in the world.

and take it from me, someone who has been doing this a long time, a newer and better opportunity will quickly come along.

#clients #firing #good #thing

Kroncept 11 years ago

I think I read this in 4 hour work week but it is an old theory. The 80/20 principle. 80% of your sales come from 20% of your clients or on the flip side 80% of your headaches and sleepless nights come from 20% of your clients. Cut the fat and let it sizzle.
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bluewatersailor

11 years ago

Originally Posted by shawnlebrun

But if you're currently working with/for clients who are making your life LESS content... fire them. Like, now.

Now, I'm not saying fire a client who is simply demanding, or who wants good copy and a good job done, or a client who is simply direct.

I'm talking about a client who just makes you feel sick to your stomach, full of anxiety, and actual dread about working with them.

I'm not yet a copywriter, much less one with clients - but I've been a consultant for well over 20 years at this point. Shawn has hit the nail right on the head with this one; this is one of the three biggest lessons I've learned from being on my own for this long (the other ones being "charge all the traffic will bear - you get a much better class of clients" and "sell value, not time".)

And to reiterate: I know it sounds hard to believe. I spent quite a few years arguing myself out of doing this ("but... I need the money! But... if I lose this client, I'll starve!") I could kick myself for every one of those times. Because:

The funny thing is, I told him something weird will happen.. that once he fires this client, a new and better opportunity will appear. And it did, as of this morning. a better paying gig.

This has always been so for me, from the moment I fired my first client for being a jerkwad. It is spooky how much of a lock it is: every single time, the slot that I free up by firing a "vampire" client is filled by someone who essentially redefines for me what a good client should be.

Look, it's YOUR choice who you want to work with. My advice is to work with clients who inspire you, energize you, and make you feel glad you're in this line of work.

Because it's THOSE clients who will allow you to do your best work... because when you're happy... you do good work. Do good work and your client is happy.

...

It's important to love your work. And the only way to do that is to LOVE your clients.

With great clients, you grow. You push yourself to exceed your best because these people are SO great - and they grow with you, because they feel challenged to match your excellence.

If you've never had a client offer to buy you a week-long vacation just because - not as a part of your negotiated pay - I gotta tell you... it feels amazing.

Do this. DO it. If it feels like giving up the ground under your feet... it's because you're learning to fly.

Ben

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KingOfContentMarketing 11 years ago

I think it takes some younger copywriters/consultants a little bit of time before they realize they are the boss.

Some are used to working for others and taking direction.

But this is their show. They set the club rules, decide who gets beyond the velvet rope and also who gets bounced for getting too crazy.

Sometimes they may hold on to them, thinking it will get better. It never does. Bounce 'em.
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- copyassassin 11 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by joe golfer
  
  I think it takes some younger copywriters/consultants a little bit of time before they realize they are the boss.
  
  .
  
  Joe,
  
  Valid point.
  
  However, I think in some cases it runs deeper.
  
  We want to make the client happy.
  
  It's a blessing and curse.
  
  For example, for some clients we'll "go the extra mile" just because of the personal satisfaction of pleasing a client.
  
  The curse however is it: some clients are assholes. And no matter the amount of effort or results, they'll never be happy.
  
  It goes deeper, still:
  
  Admitting failure sucks.
  
  When you "fire" a client, at some point, you've got to look in the mirror and say, "Where did I go wrong?"
  
  Did I not see the warning signs? Did I not qualify them properly? Are my standards too low? What about me attracts losers?
  
  Not fun questions.
  
  Not fun answers.
  
  The honest truth is selecting the "right" clients to work with a skill. In other words, you LEARN how to do this.
  
  And self-forgiveness, too.
  
  Doesn't make it easy.
  
  I know Joe you already know this, but just wanted to dig a little deeper here for the sake of others.
  
  Adam
  
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  aidacopy 11 years ago
  
  This is so true Shawn.
  
  I'm fairly recent to copywriting, but have been translating for years. There are some clients out there that feel they own you because they've paid you to do a project.
  
  It's freeing to fire them.
  
  And you're right on the second point too - once you stand up for yourself and start to respect yourself and what you bring to the table, suddenly a new opportunity shows up.
  
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shawnlebrun 11 years ago

Joe and Adam, you're both spot on.

For some reason, and I still see it all the time... many service providers and/or clients
feel there has to be a "winner and loser" when it comes to working with each other.

For example, the service provider may feel like they didn't get paid enough for the work, or perhaps the client feels they paid too much for the service.

Not sure why more service providers and clients can't aim for complete 50-50 mutual happiness and benefit.

in other words... no loser, just both winners.

The service provider offers a great service, at a great price, and the client needs the service and is more than happy to pay that price.

And when it works... both are happy... because either the service provider tied themselves in on future profits... or will get repeat business.

and the client is happy because of the money being made.

It doesn't seem that hard to make it so both are happy... but i tell you, I still see it all the time... where one side almost feels like they need to "win out" and try to get a better deal.

If a job ever turns out that one side "feels" they got a bad deal... it's not a great thing for future work together.

My best clients continue to be those who we BOTH feel we mutually got a great deal... and are both striving for 50-50 equal happiness.

but i still see both service providers and clients who are out to "win" more of the deal than they give up.
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KingOfContentMarketing 11 years ago

Adam, good points. I'm used to working with self-important types. It's a common trait in LA, especially in media and entertainment. They are fairly easy to deal with.

For me, it's more that I lose enthusiasm when the project changes constantly for no good reason. You try to recognize those situations in advance, but you don't always see it.
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- copyassassin 11 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by joe golfer
  
  You try to recognize those situations in advance, but you don't always see it.
  
  I know what you mean.
  
  been there done that.
  
  I like to say, "The Devil dresses in white"
  
  My best clients continue to be those who we BOTH feel we mutually got a great deal... and are both striving for 50-50 equal happiness.
  
  Shawn,
  
  I kinda come from the Dan Kennedy School "make yourself happy".
  
  What I like to do is before working with a client is ask, what results will make you
  thrilled, joyful
  
  happy
  
  pleased
  
  whatever
  
  bummed
  
  pissed
  
  That way, when the gig is over, and the results are coming in, and they say, "Damn, we could of done this or done", I say, "look here, this is what you said would make you happy"
  
  It's never for most.
  
  I'm the same way, too.
  
  Sometimes the clients needs a little kick in the ass.
  
  A little perspective.
  
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Alex Cohen

11 years ago

Originally Posted by shawnlebrun

For those of us who can pick and choose, that's good advice.

But for those who need the fee to pay rent or eat, it's not.

Look...

In a perfect world, there would be no strife, and people would be kind to each other at all times. But that's not the world we live in. Life isn't all sunshine and roses.

I don't know your student's circumstances, but if needed the money badly, you gave him poor advice. Rather than tell him to quit, it would have been better to teach him some stress management techniques. And how to choose clients more carefully in the future.

Alex

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shawnlebrun

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Alex Cohen

For those of us who can pick and choose, that's good advice.

But for those who need the fee to pay rent or eat, it's not.

I don't know your student's circumstances, but if needed the money badly, you gave him poor advice. Rather than tell him to quit, it would have been better to teach him some stress management techniques. And how to choose clients more carefully in the future.

Alex

Alex, I've been doing this long enough, and have so many different streams of income coming in from my businesses... I can be as picky as I want, and don't even need to take clients.

For my students, I tell them that NO amount of money is worth dealing with an asshole. None.

And honestly, the way I teach my students to get clients... it's RARE they have to worry about paying rent or eating.

Hell, copywriting is a professional skill and we deserve to be paid as professionals. If I was a jerk to my doctor or dentist, he'd tell me to get lost.

Me, I'm glad I'm in a position where I can pick, choose, and decide to fire clients!

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bluewatersailor

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Alex Cohen

For those of us who can pick and choose, that's good advice.

But for those who need the fee to pay rent or eat, it's not.

So... by that exact reasoning... abuse victims should stay with their abuser as long as he pays for food and shelter? After all - it's not like they can pick and choose.

Ben

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Alex Cohen

11 years ago

Originally Posted by bluewatersailor

So... by that exact reasoning... abuse victims should stay with their abuser as long as he pays for food and shelter? After all - it's not like they can pick and choose.

Ben

In business, not everyone has the option of being choosey.

It's not a happy fact... it's a sad fact.

But it's a fact nonetheless.

Alex

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bluewatersailor

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Alex Cohen

In business, not everyone has the option of being choosey.

It's not a happy fact... it's a sad fact.

But it's a fact nonetheless.

So... you'd agree to, say, chew and swallow a pound of rusty nails every day as long as you were getting paid well? Or would you suddenly become choosy?

Me, I'd say there are other - more important - values in life. I'd also say that a business that does not serve those values is worthless; not worth a moment of anyone's time.

But I suppose everyone's got their own set of values.

Ben

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Alex Cohen

11 years ago

Originally Posted by bluewatersailor

But I suppose everyone's got their own set of values.

Ben

Yes they do.

If a person finds himself in a situation where working for an abusive client keeps his family fed and off the street, and he stays in it, I'd understand.

I certainly wouldn't sit on a lofty perch and bloviate about how dumb his decision is.

Alex

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bluewatersailor

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Alex Cohen

Yes they do.

If a person finds himself in a situation where working for an abusive client keeps his family fed and off the street, and he stays in it, I'd understand.

So now we've gone from an average situation - one you actually know nothing about - to Nazis, earthquakes, volcanoes, and acid-tipped Iron Maidens. Nice job of ground-shifting, there!

I certainly wouldn't sit on a lofty perch and bloviate about how dumb his decision is.

Gosh, I wonder who this hypothetical "he" is - the person on whose behalf you're so insulted and whom you're defending. S. T. Rawman, perhaps?

I smell hypocrisy, and offended posturing after being caught. [ yawn ] Seen that movie.

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Mark Pescetti

11 years ago

Working with the people you resonate the most with is crucial to your (and their) long term success.

I've had my share of clients that weren't bad people, but not ideal, for me. That's why I actually specify who my ideal client is on my website. Once I have someone on the phone or Skype, I can get a much deeper, more genuine sense of their energy; their character.

It's NOT hard to feel whether someone is a right fit for you and your business model. The key is: You can't take on a client because you "should." It's shooting your intuition in the foot.

I'd rather work a 9-5 job than take on a client who:

1) Doesn't fully engage in the collaboration process.

2) Isn't selling something he or she feels extremely passionately about.

3) Doesn't command an investment attitude.

4) Doesn't command a positive attitude.

5) Doesn't treat me with respect and honor my boundaries.

Fortunately...

There ARE tons of awesome people, with original products/services, who are beyond passionate and thrive in the creative process to broadcast their vision to the people who benefit the most.

Those are the type of people/clients that every copywriter deserves.

@Alex...

The fastest way a copywriter will resent the hell out of this work is taking on clients that aren't ideal. Sure, everyone has bills. That's life. However, there are always ways to attract the type of people YOU want to work with and help become successful (or even more successful.)

That's true in ANY industry. You always have the choice to demand the best interactions - IF you truly love and value yourself.

Most people don't love and value themselves.

And that's why they manifest situations that constantly reflect that truth (and make them feel like shit.)

Just imagine what could change for them, in their lives, if they changed their mind about themselves.

Great post Shawn, as usual.

Mark

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Alex Cohen

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Mark Pescetti

@Alex...

The fastest way a copywriter will resent the hell out of this work is taking on clients that aren't ideal. Sure, everyone has bills. That's life. However, there are always ways to attract the type of people YOU want to work with and help become successful (or even more successful.)

That's true in ANY industry. You always have the choice to demand the best interactions - IF you truly love and value yourself.

Most people don't love and value themselves.

And that's why they manifest situations that constantly reflect that truth (and make them feel like shit.)

Just imagine what could change for them, in their lives, if they changed their mind about themselves.

I agree with you Mark...

A copywriter will become embittered if he works for "sucky" clients
People should love and value themselves
Mindset is crucial

Not every corner of the client/copywriter world agrees, though, and many people function in less than optimal business relationships.

The fact remains: Unfortunately, some copywriters can not just fire their clients due to their current circumstance.

Alex

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The Copy Nazi

Banned 11 years ago

the universe has a way of working it out, and a newer and better opportunity will come around soon.

Uh huh. The universe also has a way of making sure you starve without work. You've got to crawl before you learn to walk.

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bluewatersailor 11 years ago

Originally Posted by The Copy Nazi

Catchy blog post heading but you're just leading people astray. This is very bad advice to new writers.

I think that this has now come down to people talking past each other. I also think that there's truth at both ends of the spectrum - once sour carping is ignored, that is - and BOTH of the conclusions are correct ONCE you accept the premise behind each one.

No, a brand-new, completely-unknown copywriter can't haughtily reject clients because their eyelash color is wrong and expect to make a living. I don't believe that anyone here has actually said or implied anything like that.

No, you can't materialize clients out of thin air just by wishing for the perfect one. I don't recall anyone saying that, either.

But the "reverse side of this reverse side" is that the "must pay the bills" argument has a seriously-broken built-in assumption: that the sucky clients will reliably pay the bills. They damn well will not. That's one of the major things that makes them sucky. The other stuff, in addition to being personally annoying but tolerable, is simply an indication.

Sucky clients will fight over paying the bills. They'll lie, they'll quibble, and they'll most definitely take advantage of the lack of leverage that a newbie copywriter (or any other pro who is just starting out) has. Dealing with them when you're teetering at the edge of financial disaster is a straight route INTO that disaster - PLUS personal emotional hell on top of it.

if you absolutely must pay the bills, go drive a taxi or pump gas. I've done both of those to feed my family, in tough economic circumstances - and I was even then a professional with over a dozen years of experience at top companies in the world. And I damn well did it, and paid the bills, and was proud as hell that I didn't let a little girl starve.

In all but extreme circumstances, you have options. Having to tolerate abuse may indeed be necessary at times - but that is way, way into the "extreme circumstances" end of the scale. Since that's not where 99.9% of our lives are spent, how applicable is that argument to real life?
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angiecolee

11 years ago

Originally Posted by The Copy Nazi

Catchy blog post heading but you're just leading people astray. This is very bad advice to new writers. They don't have the luxury of picking and choosing the ideal client. Part of this game is learning how to work with people - not spitting the dummy at the first opportunity. Uh huh. The universe also has a way of making sure you starve without work. You've got to crawl before you learn to walk.

I see both points - I remember living on Del Taco's $0.39 tacos with my roommate in LA while trying like hell to pick up gigs on Elance and Guru. And the $50-100 those guys paid me? They took up half a damn week. It was definitely a learning experience (God, I was young and dumb), but if I'd just had a little more faith in my abilities and not used the situation as a set of blinders, I'd have made more money then and I'd be a lot further along now.

And that is the danger - some people may not be able to fire clients for financial reasons. But it can also become a trap where all your energy and creativity is focused on delivering for those people, leaving you no time to prospect for better clients.

Things changed for me when I swallowed my pride, took unemployment, and got off the freelance sites and into local networking. Sometimes "I can't afford to fire them" is nothing more than a fear-based excuse because there ARE other options. And sometimes firing clients is an excuse to not challenge yourself.

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TimothyTorrents 11 years ago

I have encountered quite a few rude clients in the past. Everyone does, I encounter rude client clients almost ever month.

But if your writing is your only stream of income you become dependent on certain clients even if they are not your favorite.

Not everyone can afford to be picky. Once it is easy to find clients, sure. But I don't like to depend on the universe's charity to pay my bills. If I can make it without a rude client I will fire him, if not, I will keep working with him, until a more pleasant client comes a long.
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- OutOfThisWord 11 years ago
  
  It doesn't matter to me what the personality of a client is...
  
  ...as long as I believe they know what they are doing.
  
  In my professional career, I've spent more time as an independent consultant than a corporate worker.
  
  And the main reason is so i can fire clients who don't know what they are doing.
  
  When you think about getting paid, you've got to look beyond today.
  
  Clients who don't know what they are doing and won't let you help, will not have much Lifetime Profit Value...
  
  ...so the sooner you bail, the sooner you can replace them with a better client.
  
  Now, if you are struggling to make rent, just take something to the pawn shop and go hunting for a better client.
  
  There is huge opportunity everywhere, just because of the web alone and all the businesses wanting to get involved in marketing there.
  
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bhuff85 11 years ago

I think one of the crucial things that all new writers need to be wary of their vulnerability.

The more you bow down to a demanding client, the harder they will push, squeezing every ounce of work out of you that they can get.

Although it may not help eliminate any rudeness or other unpleasant traits of a shaky client, an agreement laid out before any work starts will, at the very least, help move things along.

I know that it's standard to have a working agreement in place before any work starts, but you would be surprised by the number of newbie writers who forget use one, let alone enforce it. Instead, they do everything under the sun for a client, fearing that they will lose out on the deal and put their chances of any future work in jeopardy.

You may be struggling to pay the bills, but it doesn't mean you have to demean yourself in the process.

Remember - If you make yourself vulnerable, you will always be at your clients will (which in most cases, is a recipe for disaster).
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shawnlebrun

11 years ago

Believe me, I get it...

Some clients may not have the same luxury I had and have now.

I got into copywriting at a time when I was already fairly wealthy, and never
had to choose between a roof over my head, and dealing with a jerk.

Heck, when I started taking clients... I wouldn't do a stitch of work until I received 100% of my fee upfront.

And even with those stipulations... I can remember only one client telling me "No" out of over 40 clients I worked with that first year.

But I'll tell you the one thing that made all the difference in the world for me.

Having a nice chunk of what John Carlton calls "screw you" money in the bank.

Because having that changes your confidence. It means YOU call the shots, not the client.

Now, I'm always striving to make all my relationships a complete win-win for both... but I'll never take shit from a client.

Like, never. And that simply is all about self-confidence.

Low self esteem and low self confidence= you take the abuse.

High confidence and high self-esteem = you tell clients to get lost.

And if it comes down to taking shit just because you need the money...
I get it.

It's why I had labeled the post "why firing SOME of your clients is a good thing"

So I really do get that it's not as much of a luxury as some.

But I also find that what I put out in the world, in terms of marketing myself... tends to attract clients I love working with.

Heck, some of the very best clients I've had in my 14 year career have come right from the Warrior forum... and most have told me it's because of what I put out there in terms of value and communication.

so, I also believe that you tend to attract a certain type of client, but that's a whole other deal.

So yes, I get it.

That's why it pays to get good fast, get some controls under your belt, and start stashing away some "screw you" money.

And work on the kind of marketing that resonates with who you are, and also that attracts the kind of clients you want to work with.

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Mark Pescetti

11 years ago

Originally Posted by shawnlebrun

so, I also believe that you tend to attract a certain type of client, but that's a whole other deal.

So yes, I get it.

That's why it pays to get good fast, get some controls under your belt, and start stashing away some "screw you" money.

And work on the kind of marketing that resonates with who you are, and also that attracts the kind of clients you want to work with.

This goes into the deeper reasons why some newbie (and veteran) copywriters attract clients who bring with them problem after problem...

...while other copywriters have one brilliant experience after the other.

Complaining about needing to pay your bills is the worst way to attract the clientele you want and need to have a successful, fun-loving, inspiring, mutually profitable career.

The problem is...

A lot of copywriters don't understand the creative (or manifestation) process and how the words they speak play a massive role in the type of clients drawn to them.

If they did understand...

You'd see different responses in this thread.

Mark

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Alex Cohen

11 years ago

Originally Posted by shawnlebrun

Believe me, I get it...

Some clients may not have the same luxury I had and have now.

(I assume you meant "copywriters" not "clients" above.)

Thanks Shawn. I wondered if my simple statements were being understood.

Other folks in this thread, in their quest to live in a make-believe world of sunshine and roses, refuse to admit the obvious. Not a good quality for a copywriter, BTW. A copywriter must see things as they are; not as he wishes them to be if he hopes to write effective copy.

Alex

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shawnlebrun

11 years ago

Originally Posted by Alex Cohen

Hey Alex,

Yes, thanks for picking up on that! My bad... I did mean copywriters!

And yes, 100% totally agree.... business and life in general isn't always fair, those who play nice don't always do best.

Anyone who thinks copywriting, and any business for that matter, is all sunshine and roses is sadly mistaken. Business is competitive and something you have to work your tail off to succeed.

And some folks have to do what they have to do to survive.

And I, for one, would never judge or think anything negative of a copywriter who decides to stick it out and work with a client who is less than ideal.

Heck, if a copywriter is taking shit from a client, to put food on the table and a roof over the heads of those he/she loves... I respect the hell out of that person.

Because many folks in my town would not do that, and would rather have the state do it for them.

But over time, if they're in this game for the long haul, and want to really succeed... they'll need to get good, squirrel away a "F you" stash... and then know when it's time to cut a client loose.

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angiecolee

11 years ago

Originally Posted by shawnlebrun

Because many folks in my town would not do that, and would rather have the state do it for them.

I don't think there's a damn thing wrong with taking state-sponsored assistance when you need it if you're using it in the spirit it was intended - to get back on your feet. After all, those of us who've been working overtime for years have already paid for it in advance. Frankly that's a better option in my opinion than slaving away for jerks, and that's exactly what helped me launch my own copywriting business and get back on my feet - food stamps and unemployment. Thankfully I am not still on them, but they definitely serve a great purpose.

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shawnlebrun

11 years ago

Originally Posted by angiecolee

I don't think there's a damn thing wrong with taking state-sponsored assistance when you need it if you're using it in the spirit it was intended - to get back on your feet. Frankly that's a better option in my opinion than slaving away for jerks, and that's exactly what helped me launch my own copywriting business and get back on my feet - food stamps and unemployment. Thankfully I am not still on them, but they definitely serve a great purpose.

Oh, I agree Angie, if used for what it's intended for... it's a lifesaver.

I grew up in a family of 7 and my dad supported us on $20,000... so needless to say, we were on state assistance a lot.

But where I live, it's literally abused so badly... the city is literally now prosecuting abusers because it's taking funds away from those who truly could use a hand in a time of need.

I'd LOVE to have the folks in my town use them as you did... and how it was intended... as short term assistance until you can get back on your feet.

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OutOfThisWord 11 years ago

Yes, all those food stampers should go where the real money is - political office.

Why try and get-over for a couple hun a month when you can get connected and rake in millions and then pass laws to protect yourself.

And to bring this thread back to it's original focus, firing clients, bosses or anyone that is toxic is a good thing, even if you've got to wade thru some crap in the short term, karma rewards you sooner or later.
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Why Firing Some Clients is a Good Thing

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