I provide web copy for different clients. And while I’ve taken on a few one-time gigs, I prefer long-term contracts. That way, I’m not constantly searching for work. But eventually, my freelance projects end. And sometimes, I don’t receive much notice.

Because I’ve been caught off guard too many times, I’ve learn how to look for warning signs. It’s interesting, and a little ironic, but right before an opportunity ends, some clients start to pull similar stunts: slow payments, rubber checks, sporadic communication.

I’ve been working with this particular client for more than six months, and up until now, I haven’t had any problems with them. But lately, things have been a little iffy. Before, I could send an e-mail and get a response within a couple of hours. Now, it’s more like a couple of days.

I normally receive payment every two weeks like clockwork. Now, it’s whenever they feel like mailing a check. And don’t get me started on the whole “bounced check situation”. In the end, they paid the money owed, and even covered the return check fee. Still, a cash-flow problem can’t be a good sign.

I could be jumping to conclusions, in which all things are fine on their end. But this situation is all too familiar. It’s a good gig, so I’m going to hang in there. But in the meantime, I’ll keep an eye on the job boards…just in case.

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