Because my heartstrings were pulled, I’ve found myself taking on client projects I actively didn’t want and that didn’t pay enough to justify the aggravation. One consultant friend has a “pain in the ass tax”. For projects she doesn’t want or clients who are particularly difficult, she increases her hourly rate up front to justify the aggravation. The tax only works because she’s reflected in advance about the kinds of projects and clients she wants and has prioritized her needs. The pain in the ass tax allows her to adjust her position (no pain in the ass clients) and accept the occasional difficult client in a way that still balances those interests.

Source: Forbes August 27, 2017 12:56 UTC