So I worked for only a few days for a client. Did around 13 hours. This was enough for me to end the relationship as I felt it wouldn't be a match going forward. It was an extremely strange task and I felt like lots of information was withheld and I was put in a bad spot (I acknowledge this is probably normal with freelancing)
This could've just been my misinterpretation of the communication...but I simply had never seen anyone text like this. The client came across as very manipulative to me. I felt like they were gaslighting and acting crazy, it felt scammy. So - just not a match.
I just received a text asking for a 5-minute call and that my check would be cut out. My initial reaction was 5 minutes is no big deal, but I should ensure I get the check first. I made this decision because of my experience with him. It was more of a "I'm not gonna do a free favor until I get paid" as opposed to "what if he doesn't pay?".
I let him know I was firm on wanting to receive the check first. Again, I was met with what I thought were crazy,gaslighting, manipulative texts. Again, only I can really be the barometer of this as I know the full context. I even let client know I can meet in-person to receive check earlier or can get it transferred electronically.
I'm not opposed to quick 5 minute favors for older clients. I get this is common in contracting world and is way of keeping contact and not burning bridges.
In my head, I felt like he was using this call as a means of blackmail. Like..if I don't take the call then I won't get the check. So I saw that as manipulation. Writing this out makes me show I'm being paranoid. But perhaps that explains how uncomfortable my relationship with the client was.
If client had not fought back my request to wait for check and instead had said "no worries, I promise you'll receive check, this will just be very brief, I'd really appreciate it"..I'd probably have accepted the call.
Anyways, what's done is done. I'm not changing my mind to accept the call because that will have given into his manipulation. Learning exercise to stand up for self and be firm.
I understand every situation is unique but at some point you also have to give into employer's needs.
I'm just asking this in regards to how to approach a similar situation in the future.
Also, if client really does cancel the check because I didn't accept this 5-minute call..I will threaten to take him to small claims court. I can't imagine it'd come to this and it was in our contract that he had to pay for all work done already (which this free 5-minute call would not have been part of)
Upon cashing out check I will reach out to him if he still needs help. (But he let me know he didn't need me already..upon being firm)