When a Client Ghosts You: The Harsh Truth About Working for Sketchy Startups

When a Client Ghosts You: The Harsh Truth About Working for Sketchy Startups

In remote work, you’ll meet all kinds of clients — some who’ll treat you like family, and others who’ll vanish the moment they’ve squeezed out what they need. I recently experienced this firsthand. One day, I was working with full system access, helping a startup grow. The next day, I was locked out — no notice, no explanation, and no last salary. Just gone.

It’s a painful reminder of a truth we don’t talk about enough:
If a company doesn’t value its customers, it will never value its people.

The warning signs are often there:

• They delay payments or avoid written agreements.

• They overpromise to clients but refuse to issue refunds when things go wrong.

• They care more about quick sales than long-term trust.

When you see these red flags, walk away. No job, no project, and no “big opportunity” is worth your integrity or peace of mind.

And here’s something every remote worker needs to remember: an interview goes both ways.
They’re checking your skills, your background, and your reliability — but you should also be checking theirs. Look at how they treat their clients, how they talk about their team, and whether they honor their commitments. If they can’t even refund a customer properly, what makes you think they’ll pay you fairly?

At YesHire Remote, we believe real growth happens when there’s respect — between company and client, and between employer and talent. Because the moment a business starts cutting corners with its customers, it’s only a matter of time before it does the same to its people.

So if you’re starting your remote career, remember this: Don’t work for sketchy startups. Work for the ones who value both their clients and their people.

Say yes to fair, transparent, and human work relationships.
Say yes to comfort.
Say yes to YesHire Remote.

“This article is part of the YesHire Academy collection — helping Filipinos build successful remote careers. Visit yeshireacademy.org for more resources.”

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