Freelancing Without Boundaries: Here’s What It Cost Me

Earlier this year, I got pulled into a project that sounded like a dream job.

Someone needed an AI-powered system with a custom backend, full deployment, and documentation. The words were right up my alley—machine learning integrations, APIs, backend automation, the whole dev buffet. I was excited.

But then came the comma—you know, that moment where the excitement pauses and reality drops the fine print:

• The payment was fixed — no room for negotiation.
• The timeline was capped at two months — totally unrealistic.
• There was no written agreement — just verbal “go-ahead” vibes.

I knew better. But I went ahead anyway.

Why? Because I believed I could “power through.” I saw the opportunity, not the trap. And like many devs looking to build reputation, I told myself: “Just get it done. It’ll pay off.”

Well, it paid alright. But not in the way I hoped.

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🎯 What Actually Happened

• I worked an extra month beyond the original scope.
• Delivered the full MVP with a working backend, endpoints, and deployment.
• Got ghosted after a casual meeting that turned out to be my silent offboarding.
• No thank you. No final payment for the overtime. Just… gone.

And the worst part? It was my fault.

I didn’t define the boundaries. I didn’t insist on a contract. I didn’t break down the project into clear milestones or protect my post-deployment support time.

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🔐 Lessons I Learned the Hard Way

If you’re freelancing in any technical field—especially in backend development, AI, or full-stack work—you need more than skill. You need a system that respects your time, energy, and value.

Here’s what I now consider non-negotiables:

1. Scope Everything Before You Code Anything

Even if it’s a “simple project,” clarify:

• What’s included?
• What’s not?
• How many revisions are allowed?
• What does “handover” include?

Vagueness is your enemy. Scope is your safety net.

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2. No Contract, No Commit

No matter how fast the client wants to move, take the time to draft a basic agreement. It should outline:

• Timeline
• Payment structure
• Deliverables
• Termination clauses

If they can’t wait for you to write a contract, they’ll never wait to respect your work.

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3. Milestone-Based Billing or Bust

Break the project into phases:

• Phase 1: Setup & Planning
• Phase 2: Backend Architecture
• Phase 3: Testing & Deployment
• Phase 4: Handover

Tie each one to a payment. Don’t let the final invoice be your only paycheck.

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4. Protect the Exit as Much as the Entry

Have a clear plan for:

• Final deliverables
• Access revocation
• Support duration and fees

It’s easy to get kicked out quietly when you hand everything over with no strings attached.

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5. Your Value Is More Than the Code

It’s the thought, the time, the decisions, the architecture, the security you build in. If you’re freelancing without boundaries, you’re giving away more than just effort—you’re leaking professional equity.

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🧰 Want to See a Real Project Template?

On Kumotechs, I broke down this experience in full detail. I also shared a sample HTML-based freelance project deal template — built with Tailwind CSS and Alpine.js.

This isn’t just a “contract.”
It’s a clean, professional deal page you can customize for your own projects—outlining scope, pricing, and timelines in a way that commands respect from the first click.

I didn’t include it here, but if you want a real tool to help you avoid the mess I got into, check the full post on Kumotechs.
It’s worth your time—because your time is worth protecting.

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✍️ Final Thoughts

Freelancing without boundaries feels brave until it backfires.
You can be flexible and still have standards.
You can be passionate and still be professional.
You can be kind and still say no.

Set your rules. Define your value.
And please—don’t wait to get burned before you draw the line.

Comments

[Anthony Boyd]

Having had the same in both development and entertainment industries I agree with this 100%

Thanks for giving others the warning to do things right for themselves. Anyone who can’t wait is not worth the time of yours.

[Ijeoma Jahsway]

Right, Anthony. Getting the compensation for your time and effort is very important.

Not just customer satisfaction but your satisfaction as well.

[Dotallio]

I’ve been there - those blurred boundaries bite hard. How do you personally push back when the scope keeps creeping but the client’s still vague?

[Ijeoma Jahsway]

On one occasion, I've had a personal session with a client who really didn't know the work involved in building scalable software products. I had them watch the build process to see just how much it takes to create a simply CRUD app. Writing the model, views, URLs and templates.

Safe to say, after that day, they eased up on the pressure a bit.

Now you can't always have a one-on-one with all clients, but making the work clear to them will go ways in dropping their expectations.

[Nishadha Silva]

This is a lesson all freelancers learn the hard way. Thanks for sharing the templates. I will have a look whether I can apply it for my work.

[Ijeoma Jahsway]

You're welcome 😊

[AbdulGoniyy Adeleke Dare]

Totally agreed. Once in this shoe, when working on a project formMaster thesis, though I was compensated.

Please, kindly share the platforms you use in acquiring clients. Thanks in advance

[Ijeoma Jahsway]

I use freelance platforms like Upwork. But most of the time I get clients via referral.
That's why physical networking is sometimes just as good as, if not better than online networking.

Know someone who knows someone.

[Nathan Tarbert]

This is extremely impressive, not just for the honesty but for spelling out exactly where things go sideways - makes me rethink every vague agreement I've said yes to

[Ijeoma Jahsway]

Thanks, Nathan.
Always spell out the details of the contract.
I mean, as much as I love coding, this is still business.