I was sick this past week, like, really sick. I’m not talking about a sniffle here or there, I’m talking running to the bathroom every 5 minutes, laid out on the couch, death warmed over sick. I rarely get this ill so this really hit me hard, whatever this was (I originally blamed the evil taco bell I’d eaten for lunch the afternoon before this all began, but I digress). When I knew I wasn’t going to be able to sit in my chair and remain vertical in front of my Mac long enough to get any work done, I knew I’d quickly need to get the word out to interested parties that I was under the weather. This is includes, friends, family and of course, my clients. Right now I’m mainly just working with one client. Actually I’ve been work with this person and his company for awhile and the bulk of my work comes from him. I know the saying…don’t put all your eggs in one basket, aka don’t just rely on one client for all your income while freelancing. Well, this is a different kind of project that I’m actually working on with a number of writers and a web developer…so long story short, I had to notify my client/boss. Luckily this week was kind of slow so I just needed to notify him. He was very understanding and I was able to recuperate without worrying about an excessive amount of work piling up, but it got me thinking, what would I have done if I’d been working with 5 or 6 clients all with different projects and varying due dates and fallen ill?

First, I would contact them letting them know the situation. Most of my previous clients would have responded positively with well wishes, even if a looming deadline was in sight. If a deadline fell on the day I was sick, I’d respectfully ask to push it back, but if this wasn’t an option, I’d try to power through the pain to get the project done. I don’t recommend this, though, because I would worry about the quality of the final project.

Second, If a deadline was near and work could just not cease, I’d think about handing off the project to another designer to have them finish it and give them a cut of the payment for doing so. Sounds simple, yes? But for me finding a designer I trust to ensure the quality of the final project would be tough. Luckily for me I know some great designers that I could notify in a pinch and would do their best to help out a friend in need.

Third, I might consider writing something in my design agreement (more on the importance of this later) to state that in the instance of an illness or other unforeseen emergency, I have the right to seek assistance from another designer or respectfully ask for an extension on the deadline. This is sounds like a nice idea in theory, and I’m all for full disclosure, but does a client need to know that I required help getting the project done? Or could this just be explained in an e-mail? This point in a contract might confuse the client and could just be left out and disclosed when needed via e-mail or phone…or not at all.

I think honesty is the best policy when dealing with clients so at least contacting them and giving them the skinny on what’s ailing you is the best place to start.