The day I bought a brand new laptop on credit and the client disappeared

Two years ago, I landed my biggest freelance video editing contract. A Lagos fintech startup. They said they loved my portfolio, wanted a full campaign. I was so hype I almost fainted.

Problem was, my laptop at the time was struggling. Old HP that sounded like a generator anytime I opened Premiere. So I did the stupid thing. Took a loan from my savings, bought a brand new MacBook. Cost me about ₦850,000. I told myself, "Chi-Chi, this investment will pay itself back in two weeks."

First week, the client kept sending revisions. "Can you make the logo bigger?" "Actually, make it smaller again." "Change the font." "No, change it back." I was doing everything. Smiling through it.

Second week, they stopped responding to my messages. Three weeks later, they had changed their office location and I was left with a laptop I bought on credit and a debt I couldn't explain to my mother.

I cried for three days straight. Then I started taking any small job I could find. Editing wedding videos for ₦50,000. Making TikTok content for small businesses. Anything to pay back the loan.

It took me 5 months to clear that debt. But I learned something. Now, I collect 50% upfront before I touch a single project. I don't care how big the client is. No advance, no edit. Period.