I Fired Myself: The Day I Stopped Being an Assistant and Became a CEO
For years, I thought I was running a business. I had clients, steady work, and a booked-out schedule. But deep down, I wasn’t a CEO—I was an overworked assistant with a fancy title.
The worst part? I let my clients treat me that way.
They nitpicked my prices. They asked for “just one more thing” outside the scope of work. They expected VIP service on a bargain-bin budget. And every time I let it slide, I reinforced the idea that my expertise wasn’t worth paying for.
I was grateful for work instead of selective about clients. I said yes too much and charged too little. And no surprise—I was exhausted, underpaid, and resentful.
Then, one day, I had enough.
I fired myself.
I stopped acting like a low-cost, order-taking assistant and started positioning myself as a high-value expert.
And guess what? Everything changed.
Nickel-and-Dime Clients? They’re Not Worth It.
Every freelancer, VA, and consultant knows that client.
The one who:
Asks for a discount right away
Questions every invoice like they’re a forensic accountant
Wants “quick favors” that somehow take hours
Promises “exposure” instead of payment
Treats your work like an expense instead of an investment
I used to accommodate them. I thought if I made things easier, they’d respect my work more. Spoiler alert: they didn’t.
The clients who nickel and dime you will NEVER be the ones who truly value your work.
High-value clients don’t ask for discounts, freebies, or endless revisions. They respect expertise—and they pay for it.
CEO Energy vs. Assistant Energy
The day I fired myself was the day I stopped negotiating my worth.
I changed my pricing. I reworked my contracts. I set boundaries and enforced them.
I told myself: CEOs don’t beg for fair pay. They demand it.
Assistants wait for approval. CEOs set the terms.
Assistants get assigned work. CEOs choose the work they take on.
Assistants follow orders. CEOs provide strategy.
If you want to be paid like an expert, you have to position yourself like one.
Here’s What Happens When You Fire Yourself
You start attracting better clients. The ones who value your expertise, pay your rates, and trust your judgment.
You stop working for pennies. Because you’re done proving yourself to people who will never see your value.
You regain control of your business. No more being at the mercy of clients who don’t respect your time.
I wasted too much time bending over backward for the wrong people. Now? I only work with clients who align with my value—and pay accordingly.
If you’re stuck with low-paying, difficult clients, ask yourself: Are you acting like an assistant or a CEO?
Because the moment you fire yourself, your entire business changes.
Now tell me—have you ever dealt with a nickel-and-dime client? How did you handle it?
