Lessons learned from a challenging project...

For a long time, I hesitated to write about this, but I believe sharing my experience could help others navigate similar situations. Recently, I worked on a client project that turned out to be far more complex and time-consuming than anticipated. While challenging, it provided valuable insights that I hope can benefit others facing similar hurdles.

Understanding the Project Scope

At first, the project seemed straightforward. A client, introduced through a mutual colleague, needed a mobile-friendly way for employees to input data into a Google Sheets document in real time. The goal was automation and ease of use. I was somewhat familiar with the Google Sheets API, so I took on the project, expecting a smooth execution.

However, early on, I realized that some key aspects had not been clearly defined. The client's expectations evolved mid-development, leading to scope creep. The requirements changed multiple times, sometimes contradicting previous specifications. This highlighted a crucial lesson:

Lesson 1: Clearly define project scope and expectations upfront. Document everything.

Managing Client Communication

Another major challenge was communication. As the client realized the potential of custom development, they continuously introduced new ideas and feature requests, which led to shifting priorities throughout the development process. Requests often came in through informal channels, leading to confusion and conflicting instructions and that would happen sometimes at odd hours.

To attempt to mitigate this, I tried to establish a structured feedback process. I set up regular check-ins to review progress and discuss tweaks. However, this proved challenging and was sometimes met with resistance. The client preferred ad-hoc communication, which made it difficult to keep track of changes and updates.

Lesson 2: Establish clear communication channels and a structured feedback process.

The First Project vs. The Second

The first project, despite its difficulties, was ultimately completed and successfully deployed. The client was able to use the solution, and it functioned as intended. However, the second project was an entirely different story.

This time, the challenges compounded to the point where continuing the project was no longer viable. Constant changes, unrealistic demands, and lack of clear direction took a toll on my mental health. I found myself in a position where pushing forward would have been detrimental, so I made the difficult decision to cancel the project.

Lesson 3: Protecting your mental well-being is just as important as delivering a successful project.

Reflecting on the Experience

Despite the difficulties, I learned a lot from both projects. The first reinforced the importance of clear documentation, structured communication, and managing client expectations. The second, while ultimately unfinished, taught me an even more valuable lesson—sometimes, stepping away is the right decision.

If you’re a freelancer or a solo developer taking on new client work, I hope this serves as a useful guide. By proactively addressing these challenges ahead of time and recognizing when a project is no longer sustainable, you can save yourself time, stress, and a potential burnout.

What are some challenges you’ve faced in client projects?