I always skipped setting aside cash for slow months, but a dry spell changed everything

I used to think putting money aside for slow times was a waste. Then I hit a period with no work for weeks. Seeing my bank account drop was TERRIFYING. Now I save a part of every payment. It feels so much safer and gives me peace of mind.

4 comments

4 Comments

emma_jackson212mo ago

Still seems like overkill for steady gigs.

shane1652mo ago

Actually, steady gigs can have way more last-minute changes than people realize. I've had clients ask for full rebrands overnight because their investor meeting moved up. That buffer isn't for the plan, it's for the panic.

daniel3912mo ago

Totally get it. Had a client demand a rebrand in 12 hours.

robin8961mo ago

I read a case study about a design firm that kept a 30% time buffer on all their retainer contracts. They found over 80% of those hours got eaten by last minute client requests, just like investor meeting scrambles. That buffer is the main reason those clients stayed with them long term. It turns panic mode into a normal Tuesday. Calling it overkill misses how often steady work means urgent fire drills. The plan is just the starting point for the real work.

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