I've got pretty much exactly the same story, although we're still in business together as partners now rather than client/provider. but yeah, without the levera

I've got pretty much exactly the same story, although we're still in business together as partners now rather than client/provider. but yeah, without the leverage you get screwed. I've never heard the advice put quite that way but good call. With new clients, if there's paperwork involved then I only work off retainer. Never let them get in over your head.