Client relationships can be a bit of a balancing act—especially in the creative industries, where the work is personal, the feedback subjective, and the boundaries sometimes blurry. When a client becomes difficult, doesn’t align with your values, or simply brings more stress than they’re worth, it’s natural to wonder: can I just walk away from this?

It’s a fair question, and one that many freelancers, studios, and agencies quietly ask themselves. Because while the instinct to cut ties might feel right, the fear of burning bridges—or harming your reputation—can keep you stuck in a cycle of resentment.

This discussion dives into the realities of ending client relationships. It features Regina Stroombergen, Head Creative Tinker at Thinkerbell, who brings deep agency experience across Melbourne and London, and Dr Aileen Alegado, registered clinical psychologist and Director of Mindset Consulting, who works with professionals facing high-stakes workplace challenges. Hosting the conversation is Andy Wright, Founder of Never Not Creative, Co-Chair of Mentally Healthy, and CEO of Streamtime.

Yes, you can dump a client—but timing matters

Regina gets straight to the point: "I think um you definitely can dump a client but there's probably right and wrong ways of going about it."

The key is timing. She explains: "So ideally not in the middle of a project unless for example something that they wanted seriously contradicted sort of your values and you felt exceptionally strongly about it."

In short, it’s OK to walk away—but not mid-project unless the situation crosses a serious line. Ending things cleanly (and at a natural stopping point) helps protect both your integrity and your reputation.

Understand your reasons before making the decision

Before you break up with a client, Regina suggests taking a moment to reflect: "Also maybe good to ask yourself why you don't want to work with that client is it because they don't creatively have the same goal as you do or is it something else."

Not every frustrating situation requires a dramatic exit. "So lots of things could probably be worked around and you could come to a better way of working without actually having to dump them."

This is about choosing clarity over impulse. If the issue is misaligned expectations or communication, those might be fixable. If it’s a clash of values or ongoing disrespect, that’s a different conversation.

Consider industry reputation impacts

Regina offers a gentle reminder: "It's a small industry so probably um yeah good not to get too many clients offset."

In other words, even if a client relationship is no longer working, how you handle the split matters. Word travels fast in creative circles. The goal is to exit gracefully, not leave a trail of smouldering bridges behind you.

Prepare for difficult conversations with specificity

Dr Aileen speaks to the psychological side of this process—particularly how to prepare for the tricky conversation: "It's what I echo what Regina's saying um asking yourself you know maybe some points as to why you think that this client is difficult you know what particularly and getting down to is it their personality is it their creative vision is it that they're kind of like involved too much and there isn't enough autonomy."

She stresses the need for specificity: "So being kind of specific into the reasons as to why you might not think something is a good match and then coming with those issues rather than I guess you know when somebody is difficult or I can't work with you that's just too vague and so it just creates defensiveness it just creates like unnecessary criticism that's not helpful."

In other words, ditch the vague complaints and get clear on what’s really not working. Being thoughtful and specific helps avoid unnecessary conflict—and gives the client a better chance of hearing you.

Offer solutions, not just problems

Andy adds a constructive spin to the situation: "I think that there's another thing you can also do which is um it's the classic like solutions not problems."

He shares from experience: "I know that we have let go when in the past I've let go of clients before um so I think it is OK to let them go when they're not a good fit and you find that out but also you could find someone else who is a good fit."

Instead of just walking away, think about where you can direct them: "So it's not to say that you know that client can't work with anyone it's actually if their values don't match or the way that they like to work doesn't match your way of liking to work then you can find somebody else and suggest like refer them as you go."

Andy reframes the process: you’re not rejecting them, you’re helping them find a better match. That’s not just kind—it’s professional. "So I think there's always that kind of nice way to sort of let yourself out without letting them down… you're not kind of dumping the client or doing anything wrong but this is… actually an alignment issue."

When you need additional support

If difficult client dynamics are starting to chip away at your wellbeing, that’s a signal to pause. You’re not just dealing with project scope or payment delays—you’re managing people, expectations, and emotional labour. That’s a lot.

If it’s getting heavy, don’t go it alone. Visit our help section for mental health resources available 24/7. You deserve support that sees the full picture.

Connect with peers who understand

Some of the most useful insights come from people who’ve been there too. That’s why NNC Circles exist.

These monthly peer support groups bring together small cohorts of creatives to share honestly, reflect openly, and support each other through the ups and downs—like knowing when a client isn’t a good fit, or figuring out how to leave without guilt. Trained facilitators create a space that’s safe, supportive, and judgement-free.

Conclusion

Yes, it’s absolutely OK to dump a client. But how you do it is just as important as whether you do it.

Avoid exiting mid-project unless there’s a serious breach of values. Take the time to understand what’s not working. Be clear, be specific, and—if you can—offer alternatives. This isn’t about burning bridges. It’s about choosing what (and who) aligns with the kind of work you want to do.

Client relationships, like any relationship, are two-way. And you have every right to protect your energy, your values, and your creative integrity. Ending things isn’t a failure—it’s a decision to make space for better fits ahead.

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