When Work Doesn’t Go As Planned

I’ve been a busy bee lately and have been doing a lot of work. Some of what I am doing will pay off in the future and the dividends will be great. It has been fun to do and joyful with great possibilities. I absolutely love it.

However, some of the work that I have done has not been as fun and has been sort of a drudgery to complete. To make matters even more complicated, I haven’t been paid for the work that I have completed, despite the clear terms set out in my contract. I am finding it difficult to make myself want to do anymore work on a project that I am beginning to doubt.

So, what does a writer do when they are losing faith in a client and the project they are working on? I’m really not sure. I know that some would tell me to cut my losses now and move on. However, one of the projects will be entirely completed by the end of April. (Although payment was due the 1^st for any work completed last month according to the terms of the signed contract.) Should I just hang in there and if payment is not received upon completion take action? Part of me wants to at least complete that project and then not do any other projects like it in the future. I really don’t enjoy it. But I did commit to doing this project. Hmmm…decisions, decisions.

The other project is an on-going one that was supposed to be very profitable. The articles are tough to write, but the rate is fair. I put a lot of effort into writing them. To not be paid for them is making me nervous. Should I with-hold future articles until I am paid for the past ones? Part of me says yes. Part of me says to give it a couple of more weeks.

The frustrating part about this client is that they paid me for another project that I work on regularly. I have tried inquiring, but they haven’t been returning my e-mails. This probably should figure into my decision and I am not sure where to cut it off. I enjoy the other project that I did receive payment for and do not want to damage the relationship with the client. I hate being put into a position like this and I don’t want to make a wrong decision.

So what would you do in my situation? I am looking for guidance and counsel from my colleagues. How much is too much and when is enough, enough? As time goes on, I will let you know what action I have decided to take and what happens. Thanks for your help!

Do you Twitter?

Do you twitter? This is a fun and useful social networking tool for most anyone looking to network with others in your profession. You can also use it to keep up with friends. It is a great way to let others know what you are doing.

The basis of twittering is to make short blog posts of 140 words or less. It is a great combination of text messaging and blogging all rolled into one! It is also a lot of fun! You are asked the question: "What are you doing?" You then answer the question and click update. You can change it as often as you like. With a simple page refresh you can also keep up with those in your network and know when it might not be the right time to ask for something you may need. It is also a great laugh at times. If you aren't twittering, hop on over and sign up. Don't forget to add me, blemmet as your friend!

Oh Happy Day!

So today I had some exciting news...

I landed a writing gig that I really wanted! It isn't a huge gig, but it will be a fun one! It will also be an ongoing job, so that is always a good thing. I have been doing a happy dance all day. Go me!

I found out a few days earlier than was initially posted. The first line of the letter said: "I really like your writing." That is always a great start to any letter! It really made my day!

The fun part about this job is that I will get paid to write my opinion on various items. I will also get to use my byline of blemmet. I will post a link to the site that I will be writing for when everything is ready to go. Look for this post in the future!