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  3. Yesterday I lost a client.

Yesterday I lost a client.

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  • stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe

    Yesterday I lost a client. And I couldn't be happier about it.

    It's a long-standing client, but the management changed a few months ago. On Monday, they requested an emergency intervention, which I handled immediately.

    On Tuesday (yesterday, evening), they asked for a non-urgent enhancement to be closed by Wednesday evening. I explained that due to various reasons (including urgent family matters), I wouldn't be able to finish the task before Friday. That's when the lecturing started: they told me they set tight deadlines even for non-emergencies because "that's the proper way to do things", and anyone working with them must respect them without exception.

    I requested a video call to clarify. I explained that the work requires nearly a full day and that I simply couldn't close it by Wednesday. Even the physical time required to copy the data exceeded their deadline. But the new management believes that by applying pressure, you can overcome anything. Even the laws of physics.

    Their response was sarcastic: "Our requests take priority, even if you are dying". I smiled and reiterated that I had no other way. "We will therefore have to find a new consultant who respects our timing", they said.

    My response: "Okay. Our agreement expired on 31st December. I was waiting for a renewal, but it never arrived. Meaning, I have no legal obligations toward you. You have the data, the passwords, everything. Have a great day.".

    The manager, annoyed and failing to understand the implications, replied: "Fine, we’ll look for someone younger with fewer family ties to manage.".

    This morning, the phone rang. It was the manager, asking me to reconsider. His tone remained contemptuous, so I told him my decision was final. Two minutes later, I got a call from their biggest client - the one responsible for over 50% of their revenue. They had been notified I was leaving and informed the company they would also leave if I was no longer the one supervising their machines.

    I called the manager back, friendly, trying to see if they were willing to change their attitude - to move from peremptory orders to requests between human beings. He started talking about "suing for damages" if they lost their main client because of me (to be clear: I am not taking that client for myself).

    I don’t know how this story will evolve, but right now, I'm just enjoying a breath of fresh air outside my window.

    #IT #FreelanceLife #WorkLifeBalance #ToxicManagement #TechLife #Consulting #SelfEmployed

    phil@fed.bajsicki.comP This user is from outside of this forum
    phil@fed.bajsicki.comP This user is from outside of this forum
    phil@fed.bajsicki.com
    wrote sidst redigeret af
    #30

    @stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe Congratulations!
    They sound toxic as hell.

    1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe

      Yesterday I lost a client. And I couldn't be happier about it.

      It's a long-standing client, but the management changed a few months ago. On Monday, they requested an emergency intervention, which I handled immediately.

      On Tuesday (yesterday, evening), they asked for a non-urgent enhancement to be closed by Wednesday evening. I explained that due to various reasons (including urgent family matters), I wouldn't be able to finish the task before Friday. That's when the lecturing started: they told me they set tight deadlines even for non-emergencies because "that's the proper way to do things", and anyone working with them must respect them without exception.

      I requested a video call to clarify. I explained that the work requires nearly a full day and that I simply couldn't close it by Wednesday. Even the physical time required to copy the data exceeded their deadline. But the new management believes that by applying pressure, you can overcome anything. Even the laws of physics.

      Their response was sarcastic: "Our requests take priority, even if you are dying". I smiled and reiterated that I had no other way. "We will therefore have to find a new consultant who respects our timing", they said.

      My response: "Okay. Our agreement expired on 31st December. I was waiting for a renewal, but it never arrived. Meaning, I have no legal obligations toward you. You have the data, the passwords, everything. Have a great day.".

      The manager, annoyed and failing to understand the implications, replied: "Fine, we’ll look for someone younger with fewer family ties to manage.".

      This morning, the phone rang. It was the manager, asking me to reconsider. His tone remained contemptuous, so I told him my decision was final. Two minutes later, I got a call from their biggest client - the one responsible for over 50% of their revenue. They had been notified I was leaving and informed the company they would also leave if I was no longer the one supervising their machines.

      I called the manager back, friendly, trying to see if they were willing to change their attitude - to move from peremptory orders to requests between human beings. He started talking about "suing for damages" if they lost their main client because of me (to be clear: I am not taking that client for myself).

      I don’t know how this story will evolve, but right now, I'm just enjoying a breath of fresh air outside my window.

      #IT #FreelanceLife #WorkLifeBalance #ToxicManagement #TechLife #Consulting #SelfEmployed

      marzlberger@neander.socialM This user is from outside of this forum
      marzlberger@neander.socialM This user is from outside of this forum
      marzlberger@neander.social
      wrote sidst redigeret af
      #31

      @stefano Holy cow, thats wild. If a company has messed up this situation on purpose exactly like that, I would be the first one showing off their limits by increasing the price to a level, so they might be reconsiderung by themselves. I always offer a helping hand and do not break first. but it gets much more expensive 🙂 In german we call it "Schmerzensgeld"

      1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe

        Yesterday I lost a client. And I couldn't be happier about it.

        It's a long-standing client, but the management changed a few months ago. On Monday, they requested an emergency intervention, which I handled immediately.

        On Tuesday (yesterday, evening), they asked for a non-urgent enhancement to be closed by Wednesday evening. I explained that due to various reasons (including urgent family matters), I wouldn't be able to finish the task before Friday. That's when the lecturing started: they told me they set tight deadlines even for non-emergencies because "that's the proper way to do things", and anyone working with them must respect them without exception.

        I requested a video call to clarify. I explained that the work requires nearly a full day and that I simply couldn't close it by Wednesday. Even the physical time required to copy the data exceeded their deadline. But the new management believes that by applying pressure, you can overcome anything. Even the laws of physics.

        Their response was sarcastic: "Our requests take priority, even if you are dying". I smiled and reiterated that I had no other way. "We will therefore have to find a new consultant who respects our timing", they said.

        My response: "Okay. Our agreement expired on 31st December. I was waiting for a renewal, but it never arrived. Meaning, I have no legal obligations toward you. You have the data, the passwords, everything. Have a great day.".

        The manager, annoyed and failing to understand the implications, replied: "Fine, we’ll look for someone younger with fewer family ties to manage.".

        This morning, the phone rang. It was the manager, asking me to reconsider. His tone remained contemptuous, so I told him my decision was final. Two minutes later, I got a call from their biggest client - the one responsible for over 50% of their revenue. They had been notified I was leaving and informed the company they would also leave if I was no longer the one supervising their machines.

        I called the manager back, friendly, trying to see if they were willing to change their attitude - to move from peremptory orders to requests between human beings. He started talking about "suing for damages" if they lost their main client because of me (to be clear: I am not taking that client for myself).

        I don’t know how this story will evolve, but right now, I'm just enjoying a breath of fresh air outside my window.

        #IT #FreelanceLife #WorkLifeBalance #ToxicManagement #TechLife #Consulting #SelfEmployed

        jamesoff@mastodon.jamesoff.netJ This user is from outside of this forum
        jamesoff@mastodon.jamesoff.netJ This user is from outside of this forum
        jamesoff@mastodon.jamesoff.net
        wrote sidst redigeret af
        #32

        @stefano go Stefano ❤

        1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • bigbrownepaul@fosstodon.orgB bigbrownepaul@fosstodon.org

          @stefano @andersgo it's a sad fact these people keep on trying to bully their way along.

          bigbrownepaul@fosstodon.orgB This user is from outside of this forum
          bigbrownepaul@fosstodon.orgB This user is from outside of this forum
          bigbrownepaul@fosstodon.org
          wrote sidst redigeret af
          #33

          @stefano @andersgo I am currently suffering under an FD of a similar type, brought in by the VC firm that acquired my company. You have my admiration for being so clear and strong.

          1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe

            @iredave I don't think I want to work with them anymore. Unless they'll hire a new manager.

            dawnblackbirds@mastodonapp.ukD This user is from outside of this forum
            dawnblackbirds@mastodonapp.ukD This user is from outside of this forum
            dawnblackbirds@mastodonapp.uk
            wrote sidst redigeret af
            #34

            @stefano @iredave I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened.

            iredave@theforkiverse.comI 1 Reply Last reply
            0
            • stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe

              Yesterday I lost a client. And I couldn't be happier about it.

              It's a long-standing client, but the management changed a few months ago. On Monday, they requested an emergency intervention, which I handled immediately.

              On Tuesday (yesterday, evening), they asked for a non-urgent enhancement to be closed by Wednesday evening. I explained that due to various reasons (including urgent family matters), I wouldn't be able to finish the task before Friday. That's when the lecturing started: they told me they set tight deadlines even for non-emergencies because "that's the proper way to do things", and anyone working with them must respect them without exception.

              I requested a video call to clarify. I explained that the work requires nearly a full day and that I simply couldn't close it by Wednesday. Even the physical time required to copy the data exceeded their deadline. But the new management believes that by applying pressure, you can overcome anything. Even the laws of physics.

              Their response was sarcastic: "Our requests take priority, even if you are dying". I smiled and reiterated that I had no other way. "We will therefore have to find a new consultant who respects our timing", they said.

              My response: "Okay. Our agreement expired on 31st December. I was waiting for a renewal, but it never arrived. Meaning, I have no legal obligations toward you. You have the data, the passwords, everything. Have a great day.".

              The manager, annoyed and failing to understand the implications, replied: "Fine, we’ll look for someone younger with fewer family ties to manage.".

              This morning, the phone rang. It was the manager, asking me to reconsider. His tone remained contemptuous, so I told him my decision was final. Two minutes later, I got a call from their biggest client - the one responsible for over 50% of their revenue. They had been notified I was leaving and informed the company they would also leave if I was no longer the one supervising their machines.

              I called the manager back, friendly, trying to see if they were willing to change their attitude - to move from peremptory orders to requests between human beings. He started talking about "suing for damages" if they lost their main client because of me (to be clear: I am not taking that client for myself).

              I don’t know how this story will evolve, but right now, I'm just enjoying a breath of fresh air outside my window.

              #IT #FreelanceLife #WorkLifeBalance #ToxicManagement #TechLife #Consulting #SelfEmployed

              mwl@io.mwl.ioM This user is from outside of this forum
              mwl@io.mwl.ioM This user is from outside of this forum
              mwl@io.mwl.io
              wrote sidst redigeret af
              #35

              @stefano

              Well done, sir. Very well done.

              1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe

                Yesterday I lost a client. And I couldn't be happier about it.

                It's a long-standing client, but the management changed a few months ago. On Monday, they requested an emergency intervention, which I handled immediately.

                On Tuesday (yesterday, evening), they asked for a non-urgent enhancement to be closed by Wednesday evening. I explained that due to various reasons (including urgent family matters), I wouldn't be able to finish the task before Friday. That's when the lecturing started: they told me they set tight deadlines even for non-emergencies because "that's the proper way to do things", and anyone working with them must respect them without exception.

                I requested a video call to clarify. I explained that the work requires nearly a full day and that I simply couldn't close it by Wednesday. Even the physical time required to copy the data exceeded their deadline. But the new management believes that by applying pressure, you can overcome anything. Even the laws of physics.

                Their response was sarcastic: "Our requests take priority, even if you are dying". I smiled and reiterated that I had no other way. "We will therefore have to find a new consultant who respects our timing", they said.

                My response: "Okay. Our agreement expired on 31st December. I was waiting for a renewal, but it never arrived. Meaning, I have no legal obligations toward you. You have the data, the passwords, everything. Have a great day.".

                The manager, annoyed and failing to understand the implications, replied: "Fine, we’ll look for someone younger with fewer family ties to manage.".

                This morning, the phone rang. It was the manager, asking me to reconsider. His tone remained contemptuous, so I told him my decision was final. Two minutes later, I got a call from their biggest client - the one responsible for over 50% of their revenue. They had been notified I was leaving and informed the company they would also leave if I was no longer the one supervising their machines.

                I called the manager back, friendly, trying to see if they were willing to change their attitude - to move from peremptory orders to requests between human beings. He started talking about "suing for damages" if they lost their main client because of me (to be clear: I am not taking that client for myself).

                I don’t know how this story will evolve, but right now, I'm just enjoying a breath of fresh air outside my window.

                #IT #FreelanceLife #WorkLifeBalance #ToxicManagement #TechLife #Consulting #SelfEmployed

                apbblue@thepit.socialA This user is from outside of this forum
                apbblue@thepit.socialA This user is from outside of this forum
                apbblue@thepit.social
                wrote sidst redigeret af
                #36

                @stefano Wow, good riddance, sounds like. What an ass.

                1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe

                  @iredave I don't think I want to work with them anymore. Unless they'll hire a new manager.

                  iredave@theforkiverse.comI This user is from outside of this forum
                  iredave@theforkiverse.comI This user is from outside of this forum
                  iredave@theforkiverse.com
                  wrote sidst redigeret af
                  #37

                  @stefano fair enough, I prefer to charge an AH tax and have an agreed SLA. AH tax could be 5 to 10x my usual rate. 99% of the time I get told no thanks but that's the outcome I really want.

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  0
                  • dawnblackbirds@mastodonapp.ukD dawnblackbirds@mastodonapp.uk

                    @stefano @iredave I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened.

                    iredave@theforkiverse.comI This user is from outside of this forum
                    iredave@theforkiverse.comI This user is from outside of this forum
                    iredave@theforkiverse.com
                    wrote sidst redigeret af
                    #38

                    @DawnBlackbirds @stefano definitely

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe

                      Yesterday I lost a client. And I couldn't be happier about it.

                      It's a long-standing client, but the management changed a few months ago. On Monday, they requested an emergency intervention, which I handled immediately.

                      On Tuesday (yesterday, evening), they asked for a non-urgent enhancement to be closed by Wednesday evening. I explained that due to various reasons (including urgent family matters), I wouldn't be able to finish the task before Friday. That's when the lecturing started: they told me they set tight deadlines even for non-emergencies because "that's the proper way to do things", and anyone working with them must respect them without exception.

                      I requested a video call to clarify. I explained that the work requires nearly a full day and that I simply couldn't close it by Wednesday. Even the physical time required to copy the data exceeded their deadline. But the new management believes that by applying pressure, you can overcome anything. Even the laws of physics.

                      Their response was sarcastic: "Our requests take priority, even if you are dying". I smiled and reiterated that I had no other way. "We will therefore have to find a new consultant who respects our timing", they said.

                      My response: "Okay. Our agreement expired on 31st December. I was waiting for a renewal, but it never arrived. Meaning, I have no legal obligations toward you. You have the data, the passwords, everything. Have a great day.".

                      The manager, annoyed and failing to understand the implications, replied: "Fine, we’ll look for someone younger with fewer family ties to manage.".

                      This morning, the phone rang. It was the manager, asking me to reconsider. His tone remained contemptuous, so I told him my decision was final. Two minutes later, I got a call from their biggest client - the one responsible for over 50% of their revenue. They had been notified I was leaving and informed the company they would also leave if I was no longer the one supervising their machines.

                      I called the manager back, friendly, trying to see if they were willing to change their attitude - to move from peremptory orders to requests between human beings. He started talking about "suing for damages" if they lost their main client because of me (to be clear: I am not taking that client for myself).

                      I don’t know how this story will evolve, but right now, I'm just enjoying a breath of fresh air outside my window.

                      #IT #FreelanceLife #WorkLifeBalance #ToxicManagement #TechLife #Consulting #SelfEmployed

                      nomad13@mstdn.caN This user is from outside of this forum
                      nomad13@mstdn.caN This user is from outside of this forum
                      nomad13@mstdn.ca
                      wrote sidst redigeret af
                      #39

                      @stefano well done! Enjoy 😊

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe

                        Yesterday I lost a client. And I couldn't be happier about it.

                        It's a long-standing client, but the management changed a few months ago. On Monday, they requested an emergency intervention, which I handled immediately.

                        On Tuesday (yesterday, evening), they asked for a non-urgent enhancement to be closed by Wednesday evening. I explained that due to various reasons (including urgent family matters), I wouldn't be able to finish the task before Friday. That's when the lecturing started: they told me they set tight deadlines even for non-emergencies because "that's the proper way to do things", and anyone working with them must respect them without exception.

                        I requested a video call to clarify. I explained that the work requires nearly a full day and that I simply couldn't close it by Wednesday. Even the physical time required to copy the data exceeded their deadline. But the new management believes that by applying pressure, you can overcome anything. Even the laws of physics.

                        Their response was sarcastic: "Our requests take priority, even if you are dying". I smiled and reiterated that I had no other way. "We will therefore have to find a new consultant who respects our timing", they said.

                        My response: "Okay. Our agreement expired on 31st December. I was waiting for a renewal, but it never arrived. Meaning, I have no legal obligations toward you. You have the data, the passwords, everything. Have a great day.".

                        The manager, annoyed and failing to understand the implications, replied: "Fine, we’ll look for someone younger with fewer family ties to manage.".

                        This morning, the phone rang. It was the manager, asking me to reconsider. His tone remained contemptuous, so I told him my decision was final. Two minutes later, I got a call from their biggest client - the one responsible for over 50% of their revenue. They had been notified I was leaving and informed the company they would also leave if I was no longer the one supervising their machines.

                        I called the manager back, friendly, trying to see if they were willing to change their attitude - to move from peremptory orders to requests between human beings. He started talking about "suing for damages" if they lost their main client because of me (to be clear: I am not taking that client for myself).

                        I don’t know how this story will evolve, but right now, I'm just enjoying a breath of fresh air outside my window.

                        #IT #FreelanceLife #WorkLifeBalance #ToxicManagement #TechLife #Consulting #SelfEmployed

                        T This user is from outside of this forum
                        T This user is from outside of this forum
                        tomaoki@mastodon.bsd.cafe
                        wrote sidst redigeret af
                        #40

                        @stefano
                        What they need would be "a huge consulting company having 10s of thousands of consultants that any of them can take anyone's jobs at any time", which should be quite expensive. Otherwise shortage should certainly happen sooner or later. If they really want as they said, it should be REALLY needed and unavoidable costs.
                        But does the huge consulting company can do the jobs better than tha Barista?😅

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • slothrop@chaos.socialS slothrop@chaos.social

                          @stefano That all sounds decidedly less than professional on your client’s side.

                          slothrop@chaos.socialS This user is from outside of this forum
                          slothrop@chaos.socialS This user is from outside of this forum
                          slothrop@chaos.social
                          wrote sidst redigeret af
                          #41

                          @stefano I work at a globocorp, and we regularly engage consultants. Once there’s a trust relationship, when the consultant says something can’t be done in time, we believe them.

                          This looks to like pretty soon, your now-former client will be working only with third-rate consultants. Nobody with alternatives would put up with this bullshit.

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe

                            Yesterday I lost a client. And I couldn't be happier about it.

                            It's a long-standing client, but the management changed a few months ago. On Monday, they requested an emergency intervention, which I handled immediately.

                            On Tuesday (yesterday, evening), they asked for a non-urgent enhancement to be closed by Wednesday evening. I explained that due to various reasons (including urgent family matters), I wouldn't be able to finish the task before Friday. That's when the lecturing started: they told me they set tight deadlines even for non-emergencies because "that's the proper way to do things", and anyone working with them must respect them without exception.

                            I requested a video call to clarify. I explained that the work requires nearly a full day and that I simply couldn't close it by Wednesday. Even the physical time required to copy the data exceeded their deadline. But the new management believes that by applying pressure, you can overcome anything. Even the laws of physics.

                            Their response was sarcastic: "Our requests take priority, even if you are dying". I smiled and reiterated that I had no other way. "We will therefore have to find a new consultant who respects our timing", they said.

                            My response: "Okay. Our agreement expired on 31st December. I was waiting for a renewal, but it never arrived. Meaning, I have no legal obligations toward you. You have the data, the passwords, everything. Have a great day.".

                            The manager, annoyed and failing to understand the implications, replied: "Fine, we’ll look for someone younger with fewer family ties to manage.".

                            This morning, the phone rang. It was the manager, asking me to reconsider. His tone remained contemptuous, so I told him my decision was final. Two minutes later, I got a call from their biggest client - the one responsible for over 50% of their revenue. They had been notified I was leaving and informed the company they would also leave if I was no longer the one supervising their machines.

                            I called the manager back, friendly, trying to see if they were willing to change their attitude - to move from peremptory orders to requests between human beings. He started talking about "suing for damages" if they lost their main client because of me (to be clear: I am not taking that client for myself).

                            I don’t know how this story will evolve, but right now, I'm just enjoying a breath of fresh air outside my window.

                            #IT #FreelanceLife #WorkLifeBalance #ToxicManagement #TechLife #Consulting #SelfEmployed

                            nanowiz@vmst.ioN This user is from outside of this forum
                            nanowiz@vmst.ioN This user is from outside of this forum
                            nanowiz@vmst.io
                            wrote sidst redigeret af
                            #42

                            @stefano

                            Well done you!!!

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe

                              @andersgo no, nothing like that. Just one of those managers that thinks they can "win" by being aggressive.

                              T This user is from outside of this forum
                              T This user is from outside of this forum
                              tomaoki@mastodon.bsd.cafe
                              wrote sidst redigeret af
                              #43

                              @stefano @andersgo
                              Seemingly the manager is too young and insufficiently experienced?

                              stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS 1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • T tomaoki@mastodon.bsd.cafe

                                @stefano @andersgo
                                Seemingly the manager is too young and insufficiently experienced?

                                stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS This user is from outside of this forum
                                stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS This user is from outside of this forum
                                stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe
                                wrote sidst redigeret af
                                #44

                                @TomAoki @andersgo likely. Not too young - but still young.

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe

                                  Yesterday I lost a client. And I couldn't be happier about it.

                                  It's a long-standing client, but the management changed a few months ago. On Monday, they requested an emergency intervention, which I handled immediately.

                                  On Tuesday (yesterday, evening), they asked for a non-urgent enhancement to be closed by Wednesday evening. I explained that due to various reasons (including urgent family matters), I wouldn't be able to finish the task before Friday. That's when the lecturing started: they told me they set tight deadlines even for non-emergencies because "that's the proper way to do things", and anyone working with them must respect them without exception.

                                  I requested a video call to clarify. I explained that the work requires nearly a full day and that I simply couldn't close it by Wednesday. Even the physical time required to copy the data exceeded their deadline. But the new management believes that by applying pressure, you can overcome anything. Even the laws of physics.

                                  Their response was sarcastic: "Our requests take priority, even if you are dying". I smiled and reiterated that I had no other way. "We will therefore have to find a new consultant who respects our timing", they said.

                                  My response: "Okay. Our agreement expired on 31st December. I was waiting for a renewal, but it never arrived. Meaning, I have no legal obligations toward you. You have the data, the passwords, everything. Have a great day.".

                                  The manager, annoyed and failing to understand the implications, replied: "Fine, we’ll look for someone younger with fewer family ties to manage.".

                                  This morning, the phone rang. It was the manager, asking me to reconsider. His tone remained contemptuous, so I told him my decision was final. Two minutes later, I got a call from their biggest client - the one responsible for over 50% of their revenue. They had been notified I was leaving and informed the company they would also leave if I was no longer the one supervising their machines.

                                  I called the manager back, friendly, trying to see if they were willing to change their attitude - to move from peremptory orders to requests between human beings. He started talking about "suing for damages" if they lost their main client because of me (to be clear: I am not taking that client for myself).

                                  I don’t know how this story will evolve, but right now, I'm just enjoying a breath of fresh air outside my window.

                                  #IT #FreelanceLife #WorkLifeBalance #ToxicManagement #TechLife #Consulting #SelfEmployed

                                  J This user is from outside of this forum
                                  J This user is from outside of this forum
                                  justinmac84@mastodon.social
                                  wrote sidst redigeret af
                                  #45

                                  @stefano I hope they fold.

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe

                                    Yesterday I lost a client. And I couldn't be happier about it.

                                    It's a long-standing client, but the management changed a few months ago. On Monday, they requested an emergency intervention, which I handled immediately.

                                    On Tuesday (yesterday, evening), they asked for a non-urgent enhancement to be closed by Wednesday evening. I explained that due to various reasons (including urgent family matters), I wouldn't be able to finish the task before Friday. That's when the lecturing started: they told me they set tight deadlines even for non-emergencies because "that's the proper way to do things", and anyone working with them must respect them without exception.

                                    I requested a video call to clarify. I explained that the work requires nearly a full day and that I simply couldn't close it by Wednesday. Even the physical time required to copy the data exceeded their deadline. But the new management believes that by applying pressure, you can overcome anything. Even the laws of physics.

                                    Their response was sarcastic: "Our requests take priority, even if you are dying". I smiled and reiterated that I had no other way. "We will therefore have to find a new consultant who respects our timing", they said.

                                    My response: "Okay. Our agreement expired on 31st December. I was waiting for a renewal, but it never arrived. Meaning, I have no legal obligations toward you. You have the data, the passwords, everything. Have a great day.".

                                    The manager, annoyed and failing to understand the implications, replied: "Fine, we’ll look for someone younger with fewer family ties to manage.".

                                    This morning, the phone rang. It was the manager, asking me to reconsider. His tone remained contemptuous, so I told him my decision was final. Two minutes later, I got a call from their biggest client - the one responsible for over 50% of their revenue. They had been notified I was leaving and informed the company they would also leave if I was no longer the one supervising their machines.

                                    I called the manager back, friendly, trying to see if they were willing to change their attitude - to move from peremptory orders to requests between human beings. He started talking about "suing for damages" if they lost their main client because of me (to be clear: I am not taking that client for myself).

                                    I don’t know how this story will evolve, but right now, I'm just enjoying a breath of fresh air outside my window.

                                    #IT #FreelanceLife #WorkLifeBalance #ToxicManagement #TechLife #Consulting #SelfEmployed

                                    menelion@dragonscave.spaceM This user is from outside of this forum
                                    menelion@dragonscave.spaceM This user is from outside of this forum
                                    menelion@dragonscave.space
                                    wrote sidst redigeret af
                                    #46

                                    @stefano "Even if you're dying..." Disgusting, absolutely awful behavior.

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe

                                      Yesterday I lost a client. And I couldn't be happier about it.

                                      It's a long-standing client, but the management changed a few months ago. On Monday, they requested an emergency intervention, which I handled immediately.

                                      On Tuesday (yesterday, evening), they asked for a non-urgent enhancement to be closed by Wednesday evening. I explained that due to various reasons (including urgent family matters), I wouldn't be able to finish the task before Friday. That's when the lecturing started: they told me they set tight deadlines even for non-emergencies because "that's the proper way to do things", and anyone working with them must respect them without exception.

                                      I requested a video call to clarify. I explained that the work requires nearly a full day and that I simply couldn't close it by Wednesday. Even the physical time required to copy the data exceeded their deadline. But the new management believes that by applying pressure, you can overcome anything. Even the laws of physics.

                                      Their response was sarcastic: "Our requests take priority, even if you are dying". I smiled and reiterated that I had no other way. "We will therefore have to find a new consultant who respects our timing", they said.

                                      My response: "Okay. Our agreement expired on 31st December. I was waiting for a renewal, but it never arrived. Meaning, I have no legal obligations toward you. You have the data, the passwords, everything. Have a great day.".

                                      The manager, annoyed and failing to understand the implications, replied: "Fine, we’ll look for someone younger with fewer family ties to manage.".

                                      This morning, the phone rang. It was the manager, asking me to reconsider. His tone remained contemptuous, so I told him my decision was final. Two minutes later, I got a call from their biggest client - the one responsible for over 50% of their revenue. They had been notified I was leaving and informed the company they would also leave if I was no longer the one supervising their machines.

                                      I called the manager back, friendly, trying to see if they were willing to change their attitude - to move from peremptory orders to requests between human beings. He started talking about "suing for damages" if they lost their main client because of me (to be clear: I am not taking that client for myself).

                                      I don’t know how this story will evolve, but right now, I'm just enjoying a breath of fresh air outside my window.

                                      #IT #FreelanceLife #WorkLifeBalance #ToxicManagement #TechLife #Consulting #SelfEmployed

                                      mabande@mastodon.socialM This user is from outside of this forum
                                      mabande@mastodon.socialM This user is from outside of this forum
                                      mabande@mastodon.social
                                      wrote sidst redigeret af
                                      #47

                                      @stefano Writing this before having read the full reply list, but "I have no legal obligations toward you. You have the data, the passwords, everything. Have a great day." made me smile like I don't know what!
                                      Magnificent!

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe

                                        Yesterday I lost a client. And I couldn't be happier about it.

                                        It's a long-standing client, but the management changed a few months ago. On Monday, they requested an emergency intervention, which I handled immediately.

                                        On Tuesday (yesterday, evening), they asked for a non-urgent enhancement to be closed by Wednesday evening. I explained that due to various reasons (including urgent family matters), I wouldn't be able to finish the task before Friday. That's when the lecturing started: they told me they set tight deadlines even for non-emergencies because "that's the proper way to do things", and anyone working with them must respect them without exception.

                                        I requested a video call to clarify. I explained that the work requires nearly a full day and that I simply couldn't close it by Wednesday. Even the physical time required to copy the data exceeded their deadline. But the new management believes that by applying pressure, you can overcome anything. Even the laws of physics.

                                        Their response was sarcastic: "Our requests take priority, even if you are dying". I smiled and reiterated that I had no other way. "We will therefore have to find a new consultant who respects our timing", they said.

                                        My response: "Okay. Our agreement expired on 31st December. I was waiting for a renewal, but it never arrived. Meaning, I have no legal obligations toward you. You have the data, the passwords, everything. Have a great day.".

                                        The manager, annoyed and failing to understand the implications, replied: "Fine, we’ll look for someone younger with fewer family ties to manage.".

                                        This morning, the phone rang. It was the manager, asking me to reconsider. His tone remained contemptuous, so I told him my decision was final. Two minutes later, I got a call from their biggest client - the one responsible for over 50% of their revenue. They had been notified I was leaving and informed the company they would also leave if I was no longer the one supervising their machines.

                                        I called the manager back, friendly, trying to see if they were willing to change their attitude - to move from peremptory orders to requests between human beings. He started talking about "suing for damages" if they lost their main client because of me (to be clear: I am not taking that client for myself).

                                        I don’t know how this story will evolve, but right now, I'm just enjoying a breath of fresh air outside my window.

                                        #IT #FreelanceLife #WorkLifeBalance #ToxicManagement #TechLife #Consulting #SelfEmployed

                                        mjack@mastodon.bsd.cafeM This user is from outside of this forum
                                        mjack@mastodon.bsd.cafeM This user is from outside of this forum
                                        mjack@mastodon.bsd.cafe
                                        wrote sidst redigeret af mjack@mastodon.bsd.cafe
                                        #48

                                        @stefano

                                        Are you just sharing more recently, or would you say that things are getting more "interesting" in your professional life?

                                        (By recently, I mean this case and the attempted burglary)

                                        stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS 1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • mjack@mastodon.bsd.cafeM mjack@mastodon.bsd.cafe

                                          @stefano

                                          Are you just sharing more recently, or would you say that things are getting more "interesting" in your professional life?

                                          (By recently, I mean this case and the attempted burglary)

                                          stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS This user is from outside of this forum
                                          stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafeS This user is from outside of this forum
                                          stefano@mastodon.bsd.cafe
                                          wrote sidst redigeret af
                                          #49

                                          @mjack both of them. Interesting things are happening and I've decided to share them. I'll also share older stories - but yes, this 2026 seems quite.... interesting...

                                          1 Reply Last reply
                                          0
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