Looking for advice - Being rushed by a client to finish the project asap

MikeH said:

So, as per title, my client (very valuable) is extremely keen to get the project ready to use. I had said a matter of months, but they need it now.

I've just got off the phone with them pleading with me to help and I've said where I'm up to but there is still stuff to do and that takes time.

I'm thinking:

1, Stick to my schedule.
Pros = Eases stress on me.
Cons = The person with that job is threatening to quit, their software is that bad. They want me to step in and use their existing software but it is terrible.

2, Get a limited version useable and go with that.
Pros = Their person will be happy stay (at least for now) and be trained in my software and that can be done gradually as it is completed.
Cons = I won't be able to get every feature they want finished in time

3, Some compromise of those two
Pros = Keeping a good, open relationship with them. Sharing the stress between myself and them
Cons = I will still be more stressed than option 1. Such is (self employed) life!

What would you do?

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vecino said:

I once had to tell a client:
No matter how much of a hurry you are in, pregnancy lasts 9 months, you can't say: I'm in a hurry, I need to give birth in 3 months.
In that case, instead of a baby, you will have a fetus.

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MrKim said:

You decide what options YOU are WILLING to do and at what price, then let them decide.
For me, more stress requires more money - maybe a lot more. If the customer asks why so much for option X a tell them, "Because I don't want to do it."
Occasionally they bite. I may hate the project but I make a LOT of money.

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MikeH said:

Interesting

I am in the fortunate position of being able to choose which projects to do. I've taken on big projects for companies in the past and vow never to do that again. I did exactly as you say, if the task wasn't to my liking, I'd ask for more money to make it bearable. Money doesn't relieve stress for me though, the task still has to be done if I agree to do it.

This project and the people I'm doing it for, I like a lot. I have my 'Minimum Viable Product' finished plus they gave me another week! Everyone's happy

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