F**k stress
Out of context: Reply #38
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To the deadlines and extensions....that's just human nature. Everyone wants things done tomorrow, most don't have anything but some vague idea in mind when they make deadlines.
My standard line for short deadlines is:
#1 when will the final/approved information be available?
#2 is this a hard deadline (you'd be surprised at how many "deadlines" are just something someone would "like", but have no really meaning...which usually means the scenario above - race to Thursday, the on Th get a notes for revisions that must be due by Monday, like taht is some great break for you to have a few more days and a weekend to work on it!)
#3 - short deadlines limit communication time and feedback - what you get at the end you must accept "as is"
#4 - changes past the deadline constitute additional fees (unless otherwise specified - we'll do something less detailed for a deadline, then finish after, BUT it must be clear)
#5 - Get paid up to 90% (depending on the size/budget, small I just go 50/50, larger 30/30/30/10) before delivery the final (start with 50% down, etc.). That way, if they are too much of a pain you don't have to stress about the money and know that you both can walk way and you'll still be ok. This is HUGE.Don't burn bridges - unlike some above, I never, ever, tell someone off. I'll add fees if think there's a pain in the ass coming or headaches. Overall, it all averages out. There are good clients and bad clients. Money is money, business is business. Some of the most difficult clients recommended me to others and brought in tons of money, etc., etc. Business is business.
If you want your own business, figure out a balance everything. Find people that offer the talent you want so you can manage them (I used to think I would not like giving up the "doing", but I like the creative direction much more, and you make much more money with significantly less stress).