So I have a client who incessantly texts me after the course of a “normal” business day at home nearly until 11:00 PM nightly. They happen to be in the same time zone FYI. Certainly has crossed the boundaries of courtesy of business to invasion of personal space. I’m going insane at not sure how to broach. to contextualize this is a long term project versus a retainer, so the pain will end, but any advice welcome in how to deal with in the short term. Going F-ing nuts!

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I had this. Client would text me at midnight, call me at 7am, 8pm, all sorts of wacky hours. You need to train them that they will not get your attention this way, if you cater to it they will keep doing it. If they call at 11pm, return the call at 9am during normal business hours.

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Same. I had a client who would call at 5am and I would call back at 9. Same with texts. I teased them a little like “what are you doing up so early!?” And he eventually got the point.

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“Auto Reply Msg 2128 - The message could not be delivered due to a temporary network error. Please try later.”

When they ask, say you’ve been having connectivity issues with your carrier and email is best lol

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Don’t do this - take the advice of others above and just don’t respond in the moment. I’ve done this successfully in the past with clients who make demands late at night and request an urgent response when there is NO emergency. I ignore, and counsel my team to do the same. Next morning I respond to say “just saw last nights request, I was actually in bed lols, but want you to know the team is making this a priority first this morning. Stay tuned!”

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Get yourself a work phone. Turn it off after you’re done for the day.

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Turn your phone off.

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Thanks it’s on silent mode

Welcome to the club. Over the year I tried everything. From talking openly with some clients to asking the legal team to add stronger clauses in the contract regarding communication boundaries.

I found out that the best solution is just not picking up called or answering (or even reading) messages sent outside your personal business hours. Plus, if a message it sent on a personal phone number, follow up via email. Certainly not immediately but after 3/4 tentatives the clients would eventually understand.

I know we all are scared of losing profitable accounts but this doesn't have to make your life miserable. Wish you a healthy journey with your client! Stay strong!

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Do they understand this is your personal phone? Or you can “snooze” them during off hours.

Just because they call or text in your non work hours doesn’t mean you have to respond. That is a normal and healthy boundary to maintain.

Ask off the project. The client needs special attention and you want banker’s hours.

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