Trust is earned.

I've trusted the wrong men in my life. One owes me $440, one owes me $300, and one client owes me to the tune of $550. I'm trying now to get away from racist people in my life, and those who don't raise the bar enough. These are tough lessons and I don't know how I lost my self esteem and courage. I pray these folks get their own lives together. But right now, I'm praying for myself. Wish me luck in my independent, bold, motivated, self care. No more emotional blackmail.

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Anonymous

Nov 21, 2019 at 11:46am

This reads like a math problem

Freelance Advice

Nov 21, 2019 at 12:49pm

You mentioned a "client". If you're a freelancer and clients aren't paying you for your work/time, you can take them to small claims court if the amount that they owe you is between $5001-$35000.

Even if the amount is less than that, you should never work without a contract. Ever! There are lots of generic freelance contracts online that you can download and customize for your business in order to keep this from happening in the future (or make it far less likely). Make sure the contract stipulates: (1) how much you will get paid or charge per hour (2) the beginning and end dates of the project (3) how much of your time the work with take (4) how much time will be required to accommodate client revisions (you can set a limit to three revisions) and, if it's a tight deadline, (5) how much extra it will cost them for overtime (refer to the BC Labour Code for this - it's online). Also, if there's creative work involved, learn about Intellectual Property Law in Canada. Just because a client pays you to create something for them doesn't mean that they own it outright - you retain the rights to your intellectual property unless you decide to sell those rights to your clients as part of the contract (for an additional fee). If the client refuses to sign the contract (which is a legal document) then don't work with them. As someone who worked for 15 years as a freelancer, believe me that some clients will try every sh*tty trick in the book to get out of signing the contract. Don't fall for it! Keep it professional. No contract, no work. Simple.

In terms of money, be clear in the contract what consequences will be incurred if your client doesn't pay their invoice within 30-days of issue. Set a high rate of interest for late payment - think like a bank! After 30 days, send them an overdue notice. After 60 days, send them a new invoice with the new balance that includes the late fees that have accumulated. After 90 days, send a letter of notification that non-payment will result in legal action. If that still doesn't work, file with the small claims court.

You're a business - you need to act like it! If you don't, word gets out that you're a pushover who's working for free and they'll start coming out of the woodwork - you'll end up broke and bitter, looking for a new job. Be strong! Your work has value. GOOD LUCK!!!

Thanks

Nov 21, 2019 at 6:25pm

I appreciate all that information and you taking the time to write it. It will be especially helpful in the future!

Hey there Satan

Nov 22, 2019 at 5:28am

Let's go datin'

I don't get it

Nov 22, 2019 at 9:05am

Are you conflating being Male gendered and being racist? Misandry is damaging. Don't give money to untrustworthy people, of any gender.

Unfortunately

Nov 22, 2019 at 1:15pm

You have been bamboozled or taken to the cleaners.
Sorry to say.
Con Artists Everywhere!
Buddies advise back up there sounds good.
But don't loan money to friends your not "super close "with if at all and get half payment upfront for perspective jobs.
You never know who to trust these days.
A HAND SHAKE USED TO MEAN SOMETHING IN MY PAPPY'S DAYS.
I've never seen it but heard I've heard many stories about such things :)

12 7Rating: +5

Important rules to live by:

Nov 23, 2019 at 1:43am

1) Never lend money. Only give what you can afford without expecting it back. (This goes for lending other things too).
2) Never let someone borrow your car. Your car, insurance, parking tickets and repairs are expensive.
3) Never work for someone without a contact and without being paid within a set time period. Instead Say Byee!
4) Never fix another persons problems. Those are their problems, not yours. Only fix your own.
5) Learn to say no. It’s a great word. Even greater when you learn to use it.
6) Stay away from people who don’t respect the word no.
7) Bring people into your life who have good boundaries and learn from them :)

9 9Rating: 0

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