How do you handle working for your former employer as your client?

Anonymous

March 23,2023 at 3:15PM UTC

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How do you handle working for your former employer as your client? I left there last year because I didn't feel like they needed me or giving me a promotion that I hoped to get after my manager resigned. One month after I left, they reached out to me for help. I did for a short time until they found a new manager. Then, later that year, the new manager quit. They reached out to me again for the help. I got fired from my new job and have been working for my former employer as a freelancer since then. I still struggle with my feelings toward them because I was their employee for so long. They still treat me like I am their employee, not a freelancer. Is working for your former employer as a client a bad idea?

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AnonymousMarch 23,2023 at 6:50PM UTC
They always say to take your last employer as your first client, if possible. So good on you there! It's a mindset shift for both parties, really. Tell yourself that you've moved on, you've got your own business (your a freelancer) and as such, you pull the strings. I hope you're using client agreements, NDA's, etc. because as a freelancer, you realize, you're in charge and it's your business.
AnonymousMarch 23,2023 at 7:49PM UTC
As long as they are paying you 3x what you former rate was. If they are not, then their mindset has not changed towards you.
You should be working on YOUR schedule and at a rate that represents your role as a consultant.
Jill L. FergusonMay 16,2023 at 5:41PM UTC
I agree with Anonymous and Carrie. It is good to do contract work for past employers as long as you are getting the rate you deserve (that also covers your taxes, benefits, retirement, etc since that's all on you now) and you have clear boundaries. They clearly need you and I'm sure you can do excellent work for them since you understand their needs.