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Re:Ask HN: Client not happy after software consulting, what ... by seanwilson on Tuesday October 15, 2019 @04:32PM (#21263411)
> they thought I only did 1 1/2 weeks of work on it although my git history says otherwise.

> all of a sudden they told me I did not do a good job.

> this time around I trusted them and we "winged" the project management

Sounds like a series of miscommunications you'll just need to put safeguards in for next time e.g. use a planning board to keep track of what's been done + what needs to be done, agree on how time will be tracked, meet more regularly to review progress (especially at the start of the project). Best not to beat yourself up over it and just learn from it instead - nobody's perfect!

Re:Ask HN: Client not happy after software consulting, what ... by throwconsultant on Tuesday October 15, 2019 @04:36PM (#21263447)
Thanks for the feedback. What's funny is I actually tracked the previous engagement with them meticulously. I just based this new one on trust and feedback through constant communication, since I worked with them in house.

There was no sign of me not doing my job well until I started to bill, all the issues came out.

Re:Ask HN: Client not happy after software consulting, what ... by seanwilson on Tuesday October 15, 2019 @04:49PM (#21263561)
> There was no sign of me not doing my job well until I started to bill, all the issues came out.

For what it's worth, I really don't enjoy sending the first bill for a new contract because I worry something like this might happen. Usually at the end of the first week, I'll do an email or a meeting with a summary of what's been done and where things are going to reassure myself they'll be happy being billed with the work so far.

I'm guessing you don't feel great right now and keep thinking about this. I find it best to just write down what you would do differently next time and try to move on because there's no point overthinking it.

Re:Ask HN: Client not happy after software consulting, what ... by throwconsultant on Tuesday October 15, 2019 @05:37PM (#21264139)
> Usually at the end of the first week, I'll do an email or a meeting with a summary of what's been done and where things are going to reassure myself they'll be happy being billed with the work so far.

I did the same thing outlying what's done in the 3 week that I did so that they know where their money is going.

> I'm guessing you don't feel great right now and keep thinking about this. I find it best to just write down what you would do differently next time and try to move on because there's no point overthinking it.

Yes. I definitely feel like shit. Gladly, I'm a positive person and now just making sure I do better on the next project. My consultancy still has other clients at the same time launching our own product in a month with our product team so hoping for the best all around.

The feedback here has been super comforting despite everything so thanks to all!