Every now and again, you end up with a client that just doesn’t seem to be working out. This client is sucking a great deal of your time, without providing fair compensation. In these cases, you might feel that asking for a raise is a good idea. But what if that’s a no-go?

The Freelance Folder refers to such clients as “vampire clients“. They expect a great deal from you, and because they have been around for a long time, they might be getting a lower rate than you charge now. At some point, it becomes necessary to cut them loose. But, before you do, the Freelance Folder suggests you ask yourselves these four questions:

1. Is this client taking a disproportionate amount of my time?

2. Have I done everything that I can possibly do?

3. Have I exhausted all reasonable resources that I could turn to make this project better?

4. Has the scope of this project changed significantly since it began without any changes to compensation or allotted time?

You may be in trouble if most of your answers are yes. In this case, it may be time to go your separate ways. However, you should do your best to end the relationship positively. In my case, it usually means providing two weeks notice and finishing out the month. I usually just say that I have other opportunities. If you can recommend someone, that’s even better. But be careful! You don’t want to pass a vampire client on to one of your friends…