When to quit a toxic project

Sometimes projects go toxic. It may be because the client is unreasonable or crazy. Or perhaps the prime task lead is incompetent. Or maybe the project was just doomed from the beginning because the expectations were unrealistic.

You'll eventually be on one, and as a 1099, you should quit as soon as possible.

Here's why:

• It's miserable
• Your reputation will probably suffer because you won't be able to perform well
• You could be working on better, more profitable projects

Pulling a Jerry Maguire may not be realistic, so here's what you can to do prepare for the day you'll need to quit your toxic project:

• Build a six month emergency fund that you feel comfortable using for non-billable periods
• Go to at least one to two coffee meetings/happy hours/phone calls per month with your network
• Get a hobby or fun side project

Quitting purely out of frustration without the supporting infrastructure of savings, a supporting network, and something to do in your downtime will kill your morale and be super stressful

But, quitting with those in place will feel like a big relief.

Don't be afraid to quit. Prepare for the day a project your on goes toxic and then if it does, quit ASAP.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.