It’s normal to outgrow your clients

A few months ago, I had an uncomfortable experience with a writing client who I’ve worked with frequently over the past few years. At one point in time, this client was at the top of my list: Well-paid, fun work, and a respectful relationship.

But then the client emailed me with criticism related to me working with an assistant. As I read her email, I started to come up with a list of counter-claims that I could use to preserve the relationship. But then I realized: I wasn’t going to stop working with an assistant.

Suddenly, it hit me square in the face: This client can’t come with me into the next season of my business.

When we make changes to our businesses (and our lives), it’s nearly inevitable that we will disappoint someone else. That’s the shadow side to business growth: It’s exciting to earn more, feel more in control and focus down on what matters to you. But the people who’ve been with you when you worked the other way might not like these changes very much. When people benefit from you not setting boundaries, they can take you voicing your needs with clarity as an affront. When your new way of being in the world makes other people feel self-conscious or insecure, those other people may get angry with you.

As Simone Grace Seol wisely says: They’re having a personal experience and putting your…