2026.05.10

Losing a Client and $800

I recently lost a major, long-term client. They still owe me $800.

This actually goes back to 2023. We always tracked my hours manually. But in January this year, the client paused my billing for two months. They said my accumulated hours were too high. My biggest mistake was that I didn't stop working. I just kept going. Now, that payment is just hanging in the air.

Why were my hours so high? Two reasons. First, it was the client’s busy season late last year. Second, I was being a complete workaholic.

I was working more than 60 hours a week. I would stay up until one or two in the morning, then drag myself out of bed before 9 AM to keep working. At my worst point, I didn't leave my apartment building for half a month. I didn't even ride my bike. To save time, I ordered delivery for my son’s lunch every single day just so I wouldn't have to leave my desk.

I never said "no" to this client. I put their projects above everything else. This over-commitment became a trap. I started missing deadlines for my other clients, and eventually, I lost their trust and future work.

When this big client paused my billing over the high hours, I was so burnt out that I didn't even argue. I didn't even reply.

It hurts to see all those days and nights of hard work turn into nothing. It is not just about losing the $800. It is hard to accept that I sacrificed my health, my daily life, and my reputation with other clients for this. Looking back, I just feel a lot of regret.

The lesson for me is clear: I can't rely completely on one client, and I can't let one client erase my boundaries.

Small Steps Forward

Late last month, I took on two test projects. One was designing a YouTube thumbnail. It took six rounds of revisions before the client was totally happy.

She actually sent the contract after the fourth round, but I held off on signing it. I guess my pride got in the way. I felt like if she wasn't 100% happy with the design, I shouldn't take her money yet. In the end, she paid on time, and it is a good piece for my portfolio.

Some good news happened this month, too. I applied for a music visualization animation project for a band. I had a video call with the client and we signed the contract. The animation isn't too complicated, so I know I can handle it. This is my second time doing video animation on Upwork. I really hope it goes smoothly.

I am just trying to learn how to protect my time and set better boundaries now. Taking it one step at a time.