Letting go of a client is never easy, especially when you pour your heart into your work and take pride in delivering to a high standard. But sometimes, the hardest decisions are the most necessary ones.
This wasn’t a decision I made lightly. In fact, I fought with both my head and my heart over it. I wanted to finish the project. I wanted to honour my commitment. I wanted to maintain my professional integrity. But I also couldn’t ignore how their energy was beginning to compromise mine.
Their constant pressure and lack of space for creativity started creeping into every part of my process. Instead of collaborating, they hovered. Instead of trusting, they micro-managed. And instead of flowing, I found myself second-guessing every step, doubting my capabilities, and even, uncharacteristically, making mistakes.
That’s not me. I’ve built my business over the past 14 years by being the calm, confident one behind the scenes. The one who delivers, creates, and supports with integrity and clarity.
And yet, I was shrinking.
Looking back, the signs were there early. I saw them. I felt them. But I talked myself out of them because this client came through a referral from someone I truly admire. So I ignored the red flags, and that’s on me.
Working with them felt less like a professional partnership and more like being stuck in a chaotic dating scenario where one person is so desperate to make it work, they bulldoze everything in their path. They threw every possible idea at me with no real strategy. They wouldn’t take my advice, even though I’ve been doing this a long time. Their words didn’t match their actions. And instead of co-creating, they had me doing everything—messaging, content, strategy, you name it. That’s not what I was hired for, and I’m not an expert in their field. I’m an expert in mine.
Still, I showed up. I delivered. I researched. I stretched myself. I gave them my best.
And yet, it wasn’t enough for them.
The turning point? I woke up one morning and didn’t want to start work on my own business.
That was the moment I knew something had to change.
Because I love what I do. I’ve worked long, hard hours over the past 14 years, but I’ve never resented it. I’m fuelled by passion, purpose, and the amazing people I get to support. But this one client was dimming that light, and worse, they were affecting how I showed up for the clients I do love working with.
So I chose me. I chose my energy. I chose my business.
I let them go.
And here’s what I’ve learned (or rather, relearned): Your energy is your most valuable business asset. You can’t do your best work in an environment that doesn’t feel safe, aligned, or respectful. And no amount of money, referral, or obligation is worth sacrificing your peace for.
If you’re a service provider reading this and you’re stuck in a client relationship that makes you feel small, compromised, or creatively blocked, this is your permission slip.
You can be professional and still protect your peace. You can be committed and still draw a line. You can love what you do and still choose to walk away.
And most importantly, you can always choose you.
