I worked on a translation job with this client. When we started in November, I informed him that I wouldn’t be working from Christmas to New Year’s because I was taking time off to visit family.

Me: I just want to let you know that’s my schedule up front. If that doesn’t work for you, you should probably hire someone else. I can get you a finished translation by January 10, but no earlier than that. Is that acceptable?

Client: That should work fine. The deadline isn’t urgent.

Since he agreed to that, I started work on the project. When the holidays rolled around, I took my time off and didn’t check my work email because I was with my family. When I did log in on January 2, I saw this message.

Client: Please get back to work. I need this finished by the 6^th.

Me: I’m sorry, but we already agreed on the 10^th as a final date. I’m on track for that deadline, but can’t reasonably finish by the 6^th.

Client: It has been a nightmare working with you. You insist on taking all this time off and prolonging this project – I can’t believe how lazy you are. I won’t ever contact you again with more work – you’re very skilled, but this highly unprofessional. 

 

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Source: Clients from Hell