D_Blackwell - 4:18 pm on Sep 18, 2009 (gmt 0)

I explained this after we finished our current projects at the original rate. Of course he didn't want to go with that, so I just did more work with him at a third of the cost. The work is now tedious maintenance work, boring and uncreative. What would you do in this situation?

You reasonably raised your rates. The client declined. Bye.

The break should be clean and complete; no caving in on your part if he comes back with a counteroffer that may tempt, but that clearly won't be satisfactory. You won't be any happier doing the work, even for more money. 1/3 your rate. Nice deal that does not account for changed circumstances. Even if raised to your full rate, if you wouldn't be happy don't take it.

You should have cut him loose immediately when he called your bluff on the increased price - which is all it is unless following through. He is still paying 1/3 for full service. You are still unhappy. It's on you. Things don't change unless you change them.