It’s funny, but last week I wrote a post on the economic situation in this country, and I stated how the economy has yet to affect my home business. Well, less than 24 hours after hitting the submit button, a client informed me that she would no longer need my services.

I don’t know whether getting the ax was economy related. I’ve worked with this particular client since March or April - we had a good run. And honestly, I was running out of fresh ideas. So, it was probably time to part ways. I don’t have a problem with losing the job. But I do have a problem with the way the client ended the job.

Apparently, they’re re-structuring their website and they don’t need as many new posts - which is okay. It’s their company, they can do what they like. I only wish the client has given me a little notice. Here’s why.

I submit my completed weekly assignment the same time each week. Like normal, I sent her my assignment last week and waited for confirmation. The next day I received confirmation, or rather a standard form letter, “Due to company changes, blah, blah, blah….we regret to inform you, blah, blah, blah….” We’ve all heard it before.

Now, this is where my irritation comes into play. I’m sure this client didn’t wake up that morning and decide, “Hey, I think I’m going to let a few freelancer’s go today.” More than likely, this is a decision that had been brewing for at least a couple of days - maybe longer.

I realize the freelance agreement I signed says the client has the right to terminate the agreement whenever they want. But is it too much to ask for a courtesy notice? Don’t wait until I complete my work, submit it, and then tell me our relationship is over. So basically, the time I spent writing and editing my piece was a complete waste of time. And because of the subject matter, I can’t exactly market the piece elsewhere.

There are many ways to give advance notice, or at least some type of indication that change is on the horizon. Maybe a “hold off on any new assignments until further notice,” or perhaps a “we will no longer need your services after such-and-such date.”

Am I wrong for being a little hot?