Jennifer's free lance gig was winding down when her old friend Nadine called. Nadine's business needed some expertise that just happened to be Jennifer's strength. Nadine hired Jennifer as a temporary manager on a six-month contract.

When Jennifer called me, she was thoroughly frazzled.

"I have no life," she said. "I have no time to scout for new clients -- and I'll need them in six months. I can't take long lunch hours or leave early. I don't feel I can walk out because the business really is in trouble. Nadine helped me out when I was getting started. Besides, if I hang on, I may get a bonus."

"Was the bonus promised in writing?" I asked.

"Of course not," Jennifer snapped. "We're friends!"

Fantasy: Friends and family will "take care of" you. And those kind folks who just came up with that wonderful job offer? Of course they have your best interests at heart!

Reality: Negotiate at the outset and forget about playing catch-up later.

Jennifer could have asked for flexibility in her schedule. She could have specified that she would contribute expertise -- even work as a consultant -- but refuse to agree to show up in the office every day.

George was evaluating two offers when he hired me to spend an hour talking through the decision. One job required him to begin work right away, while he still had to wrap up some independent consulting projects. Another was vague about his responsibilities.

George decided to ask one prospective employer if he could delay his start date and have some flexibility to finish his contracts. He asked the other for a job description. The first employer was eager to help and happy to hear that George was the kind of person who honored his previous commitments. The second offered a job description that still left George uncertain about how he would be evaluated. The choice was easy.

After accepting the offer, George wrote a polite thank-you letter, summarizing everything that had been agreed over the phone. He concluded with, "Please let me know if we're on the same page here."

If your boss is the kind who says, "We don't need anything in writing. We're all friends here," you can usually -- but not always -- expect trouble ahead. It's a judgment call.

Bottom line: Negotiate from strength before you enter any relationship.

Asked to chair a local committee? Establish ahead of time how much you will -- and won't -- commit.

Accepting a new client? Clarify the ground rules about fees, missed appointments and deadlines.

Getting married? Well, it's no accident that pre-nuptial agreements are gaining acceptance! Once the knot is tied in any relationship, you're one-down when you want to claim anything that hasn't been written up.

Freedom means planning ahead. A coach or counselor can help you recognize potential pitfalls: they're more objective and they see more horror stories. Anticipating the "what can go wrong" question can save your career and maybe your sanity.

_____

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., the "Career Freedom Coach," is an Author, Career Consultant, and Speaker. Discover your Fast Track to Career Freedom by visiting MovingLady.com.

To contact Cathy, email: Cathy@MovingLady.com or call 505-534-4294.