I know I’m stating the obvious here and please believe me when I say I mean no disrespect to the stories shared. If you’re working for a small/unknown/“shady”

I know I’m stating the obvious here and please believe me when I say I mean no disrespect to the stories shared. If you’re working for a small/unknown/“shady” etc business demand frequent payment for work done. Ask to receive payment every week or every fortnight. Default to “no” for any promises of future payments or “options/equity” etc. If it’s not cash in your bank account you are trading an immediate tangible good (your service) for an intangible promise. Be aware of short (3-6 months) contracts with an acceptance criteria and payment at the end. Stipulate fortnightly milestones that accommodate some variability in what you deliver and that are met with payment. No payment then no more work until payment resumes.