Just before I was due to start work at a new client’s office, I received a text message from the client saying that the rain had flooded their office and the electricity was off, so the project would not be going ahead.

I was already out (and drenched to the bone), so I decided to drop by and see the extent of the damage. The office appeared to be dry and well-lit. To my surprise, an old friend from my home town was just outside. It turns out that he has also gone to school to be a graphic designer, and he had just locked a job. In fact, it was the job I was supposed to do, although they were paying him less.

We had a coffee and a chat in the office, after which, I called the client to commiserate about the recent rain. They complained about the situation and how unfair it was – up until I revealed where I was sitting. This revelation was met by a palpable silence.

A couple of months later, the client had the audacity to call me and ask me to work there after my old friend didn’t work out. I told them that my terms were 100% down payment, and I never heard from them again.