Recently, there has been a discussion on the E-Solutions page about people who render services or lend money, only to be met with excuses when it’s time for repayment. The infamous line, “Is it because of this small amount that you’re disturbing me?” has been used time and again. Today, we share a story of someone who faced a similar situation with her ex-boss. Sit tight and read on.
“I was actively job-hunting when I came across his business page on Instagram. It was clear he needed help, so I pitched my skills to him. I told him that if he needed a graphic designer, I could assist And be paid for my services. I outlined the benefits of hiring me, what I had to offer, and my pricing.
From Instagram, our conversation shifted to WhatsApp. We discussed my services, agreed on the tasks, and settled on a price. That was how I started working for him. Initially, I was hired as a graphic designer, but I quickly found myself doing much more. He had no other employees, so I ended up managing everything from sourcing content, editing, designing, posting, and handling the business page. Though I knew I was working beyond my agreed-upon role, I needed the job, so I continued without complaining.
At first, my salary was paid on time, but soon, I had to start reminding him at the end of each month. He would claim he forgot and then send the money. Later, he started making excuses— business was slow, his child was sick, he had financial difficulties. I wanted to be understanding, so I kept working, assuming I would eventually receive all my pending payments.
But I was wrong. His tone soon changed whenever I asked for my money, as if I was being a nuisance. I found myself begging for what I had rightfully worked for and earned over the months. When I asked him about whether I should continue working despite the unpaid wages, he told me, that if I wanted to stay, I could, but I should understand that business was slow and he could not guarantee anything. That was when I realized we were no longer on the same page. It was his own business, yet he gave me that response. His attitude suggested that if I didn’t get paid in he future, it was my own fault for continuing.
Hoping to eventually get my money, I gave him more time and just continued. The first time I wrote to remind him was in September. He started paying in tiny bits, telling me to “manage” it. I even resorted to using the fact that I was a student, pleading with him that I needed the money. Still, he stalled and made more excuses. Months passed, and I was still begging for my own money.
Eventually, he paid a portion, but then we argued over how much was left. For example, I calculated four months’ worth of unpaid salary; he insisted it was three. I started doubting myself, wondering if I had miscalculated. Just to avoid more stress, I accepted his figure. But even after that, he still didn’t pay the full amount. When I reached out again, asking when to expect the rest, he told me to “forget it”. Just like that.
After all the months of waiting, begging, and working beyond my job description, I never got my full payment. To make matters worse, shortly after, I saw (on his WhatsApp status) that he had thrown a lavish birthday party for his child, I think. I wanted to message him and say, “I thought you didn’t have money?” Moscow Big Boy oo. The amount he owed me was insignificant compared to the cost of this event. But for me, it was money I desperately needed to survive.
I have learned that any business built on a lack of integrity will not last. You reap what you sow. If you cheat a defenseless person who cannot retaliate, eventually, the same will happen to you. Some people prioritize appearances over their responsibilities and that’s why they continue to throw parties and show off while owing those who worked for them.
During my time working for him, there was never a single complaint about my performance. He didn’t know much about media, so every design I created was met with “Wow! Wow! Wow!” I even took the initiative to hire a content writer to help improve the business, even to the point of splitting my own salary to pay the person. I never even told him about it because I knew he wouldn’t be able to afford an additional hire.
The lines were so blurred. I even replied to customer inquiries on his business Instagram out of my own personal time. I was doing the work of a writer, designer, social media manager, PA, and customer service representative, all while being paid or rather, unpaid as a graphic designer.
Looking back, I realize that the informal nature of our agreement made it easy for him to take advantage of me. We didn’t sign a contract, and because everything was done via phone calls and chats, there was no legal (or official) action I could take. Many businesses exploit freelancers and students in this way. If you can, please always sign a contract, no matter how small the job is. And if the employer refuses, just know it’s a red flag.
If he ever reads this, my message to him is: Give your life to Christ. Maybe one day, you will realize your wrongdoing and apologize. That would be nice.
But regardless, I survived without his money. I never starved. The devil tried to use him, but he failed. If this ever touches his heart, may he learn integrity and fairness. And to anyone reading this: Be transparent in your business dealings. Do not cheat the vulnerable. The world may not hold you accountable, but karma will. I also wish anyone reading this a client that pays well!”
Have a productive week ahead from all of us at E-Solutions!
