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How should I tell him?

by bethsuzi
14 replies
Hi,

Basically, I am writing articles for this guy at the moment as a freelancer. He is really nice person and the deal was that the work would be on-going.

I was doing this to pay for my internet marketing costs, but the job is wearing me down and I don't have the energy to do my IM work once I have completed the articles.

I don't know how to tell him that I no longer want to write articles for him. He thinks I want to carry on with the job until further notice.

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but how do I tell him that I want to quit?

:confused:
  • Profile picture of the author Brad Spencer
    For starters,

    As someone who hires writers, thanks for being proactive and not just "disappearing" b/c that really sucks.

    It is a royal pain in the ass.

    Now, maybe you should ask him to reduce the workload or increase your price per article.

    If you increase the price per article to a decent amount (8-10 bucks) you could farm it out to someone who will do it for 5 bucks an article. This gives you a slight profit and still allows you to keep your reputation.

    I think you've overextended yourself.

    What IM tasks are you trying to complete for yourself?

    Cheers,

    Brad Spencer



    Originally Posted by bethsuzi View Post

    Hi,

    Basically, I am writing articles for this guy at the moment as a freelancer. He is really nice person and the deal was that the work would be on-going.

    I was doing this to pay for my internet marketing costs, but the job is wearing me down and I don't have the energy to do my IM work once I have completed the articles.

    I don't know how to tell him that I no longer want to write articles for him. He thinks I want to carry on with the job until further notice.

    Sorry if this is a stupid question, but how do I tell him that I want to quit?

    :confused:
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  • Profile picture of the author Matt Helphrey
    Just be honest with him. Tell him exactly what you told us and that you thought you could do it but it's just not working out.

    He should appreciate the honesty and find a writer who can take the job.

    Best,

    Matt
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    • Profile picture of the author LynnM
      Originally Posted by Matt Helphrey View Post

      Just be honest with him. Tell him exactly what you told us and that you thought you could do it but it's just not working out.
      As Matt says, you've explained exactly the reason for you wanting to quit in your post, and he should appreciate your honesty if you tell him the same thing.
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  • Profile picture of the author bethsuzi
    Hey Brad

    Yeah I think I took on a bit much. No I wouldn't just disappear, I have too much respect for the guy. I don't think I could farm out the articles because I have already written many and he knows how I write plus I would feel like I was cheating on him or something.

    I an trying to get my own business together. I am already starting to make sales, not much just 5 over the last two months but I am still new to it all.

    Thanks for your suggestions though - it's well appreciated.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kecia
    I wouldn't suggest getting others to write those articles for you. Anytime I've been (unknowingly) in this situation, it's never came out good. Either I didn't get paid by the writer who contracted the work to me, or the buyer became aware of what the writer was doing and fired the person.

    I would just be honest with him...If you want to take on a smaller workload, tell him what you are doing, and how you need less work so that you can work on your own ventures. If you are done with the job altogether, maybe you should recommend him to another writer, if you know any.
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  • Profile picture of the author venomous2000
    Give him the details of someone else who is willing to write articles for him. Apologize that you will have to stop writing and then give him the details of another writer that will definatly take the job.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sandor Verebi
    Originally Posted by bethsuzi View Post

    Hi,

    Basically, I am writing articles for this guy at the moment as a freelancer. He is really nice person and the deal was that the work would be on-going.

    I was doing this to pay for my internet marketing costs, but the job is wearing me down and I don't have the energy to do my IM work once I have completed the articles.

    I don't know how to tell him that I no longer want to write articles for him. He thinks I want to carry on with the job until further notice.

    Sorry if this is a stupid question, but how do I tell him that I want to quit?

    :confused:
    I think the best route is the honesty. You need to be convincing.

    We have to be for one which can be believed in order for us to be convincing. We have to be ones being credible in order for us to be credible. That credit deserving let us be - we have to say the true one.

    Cheers,

    Sandor
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    ... coming
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve Sanchez
      Honesty is always best, especially in business. Explain your reservations and maybe you can come up with a compromise.
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  • Profile picture of the author bethsuzi
    Thanks guys.

    I'll just be honest and tell him.

    x
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  • Profile picture of the author Graham Maddison
    Dear "Name"

    it is with deep regret, that due to a change in my personal circumstances relating to my available time, that I will for the forseeable future, be unable to honour my agreement with you to supply you with "quality" articles.

    it has been difficult for me to come to this decision as I value you as a client very highly and it is for this reason I am writing to you today.

    I assure you that as soon as my circumstances change, I will notify you as soon as possible and at which point we will hopefully be able to resume our business relationship.

    I will of course complete any outstanding paid for articles.

    Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

    Just an idea

    Graham
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  • Profile picture of the author R Hagel
    I think it's also a good idea to give advanced notice, just as people who quit regular jobs give their two week's notice. That way he has time to find someone else to replace you so that his work-flow isn't interrupted. The more professionally you handle this, the better it will be for your future relationship (e.g., you may work together again sometime, or you may want him to write a reference/testimonial for you, etc).

    Cheers,
    Becky
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  • Profile picture of the author ajiabs
    Be upfront and give him some time to find another writer. Its much better than you keep doing the working grunting or just disappearing to spare the feeling
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  • Profile picture of the author MosaicDan
    Hi Beth,

    I wish all writers were like you. I run a writing service as one of our businesses with a partner. And we have writers bail on us all of the time, mid assignment. And we also pay on time and are very fair with our writers.

    My experience in working with freelance writers over the years is that they are a very fickle group.

    When we get one who is responsible, tells it to us straight, and doesn't give us the run-a-around, that is rare indeed. Most just disappear in the middle of the night.

    Good luck in your IM career. More people should have your concerned attitude for the other party and not a "throw-away" attitude.

    Regards,
    Dan
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    • Profile picture of the author bethsuzi
      Originally Posted by MosaicDan View Post

      Hi Beth,

      I wish all writers were like you. I run a writing service as one of our businesses with a partner. And we have writers bail on us all of the time, mid assignment. And we also pay on time and are very fair with our writers.

      My experience in working with freelance writers over the years is that they are a very fickle group.

      When we get one who is responsible, tells it to us straight, and doesn't give us the run-a-around, that is rare indeed. Most just disappear in the middle of the night.

      Good luck in your IM career. More people should have your concerned attitude for the other party and not a "throw-away" attitude.

      Regards,
      Dan
      Thanks for your kind words Dan.

      I couldn't leave him in the lurch when he put his trust in me.

      Thanks for the help everyone and for the letter template Graham!

      I think I have a good idea how I will tell him now and give him some notice to get someone else.

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