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For the freelancers who work for us, we would cover their projects, make sure they have the time they need, and assure them that we’ll be ready with projects when they’re able to get back to work.
I’m thinking it has a lot to do with the agency. I started a gig and was there for one week before my mother died (just a few months after my father). The agency was incredible and insisted I take a few weeks off and they’d hold the spot for me. True to their word, they did and I ended up spending 8 years there. Another place, pre-Covid, let me work from home after a bad car accident. They were so accommodating that they are the ONLY agency I let get away with the dreaded “only bill the hours you work” nonsense. Be straight with your clients and hopefully they’ll have a heart. Best of luck to you.
After I got my job at an agency in Florida, I flew down to pick up my relocation check and find an apartment. I was in my rental car when my ex-husband called and said our 13-year old son had been run over by a pick-up truck and life flighted to a children’s hospital. It was terrifying!
His injuries were severe, but not life- threatening. The agency let me postpone my start date for a week, but it was when I started that they proved how kind they were and what an incredible place it was to work.
My son required several doctor visits the first week, and plastic surgery and a hospital stay the second week. I was only at work for three out of my first ten days at my new job - the agency paid me for all ten days! And they continued to pay for any days I had to take off for doctor visits those first three months.
I would have stayed there forever!
i recently went through this and i’m so sorry for your pain. my only advice is to be honest and upfront with your clients. in the past month i’ve definitely learned who has integrity and who can go f$&k themselves. i let all of my clients (was on 4 different projects at the time) know when my dad was “actively dying” so when he passed away and i needed time off they weren’t caught off-guard. also, set some boundaries and be firm with your boundaries - eg if you aren’t available one day, don’t respond to emails and slack until the next day. this is as helpful for them as it is you and it won’t confuse folks as to if you’re avail or not. let them know things will take longer. and finally- IF you can- once things settle a bit with all that you’re going through, let yourself take some actual time off. i’m wrapping up my projects now and committed myself to not taking on new projects for a month. DM me if you want to chat more- this is truly the worst part about freelancing.
I completely understand how hard this type of thing can be. For me, when I’m in this kind of space I just try to do the bare minimum to maintain the client relationship, and also maintain my financial security. But I’m not really trying to win any major awards. If anything can wait, I let it. If needed, I will also let the client know/ask the client if I could have some more time on things. Depending on the client I may tell them less or more of what’s going on. And in my experience people are extremely understanding and gracious. Just do whatever you possibly can to give yourself some space and kindness and self-care.
I totally agree with Entrepreneur 1.
I’ve had some major family tragedies in the past few years where I suddenly had to take time off. All of my clients have been very understanding and most of them were willing to wait. I’m my case, since my beautiful 21-year niece was basically murdered (given a Xanax laced with fentanyl and purposely left to die) and my mom suddenly passed away, I did tell my clients. I was a mess; they were very kind and compassionate.
I would explain the situation and ask for as much time as I needed. Most clients are humans and want to be understanding. I’m sorry you’re going through this. Give yourself the space you need.
I went to live with my parents for almost a year when my mother was dying, and then went back for 3 months when my father got his terminal diagnosis. People were totally understanding if I explained what was going on. If I didn't want to take a job for any reason, but didn't want to explain what was happening, I would say I was booked but would be in touch when I was free again.