How strictly should I set boundaries with a client who acts like my boss?
Short version: I’m a 25‑year‑old freelance graphic designer living in Rayong, been doing a project for a small company in Bangkok for almost a year now. Problem is they treat me way too much like an in‑house employee and I’m getting confused about my role.
At first it was fine — paid on time, gave me plenty of time to do stuff. But as the project grew they started sending urgent jobs at midnight for real, and calling to brief me at like 10pm (I try not to pick up but I’m scared of losing the gig so I awkwardly answer). They also like to comment in the team LINE group in front of everyone: “Why don’t you get this?” in that sharp tone. I read it and just froze, super not okay.
Sometimes I’m told to keep revising files nonstop and end up working 2–3 hours straight until my eyes go blurry (if I roughly count the time it’s like 20–30 hours per week on this project). But there’s no benefits, no sick days, no set work hours. Briefs change constantly, extra pay is slow, sometimes they take almost two weeks to confirm the budget, or they pay only half the deposit and ask me to send the full deliverable first — whether the money comes is a gamble. I’ve shown up midnights with a pen and a cold drink more than once T_T
I’ve been trying to adapt, making fixes here and there to keep the money, but it feels like they expect me to be an employee when I’m not. I’m starting to feel really used. But I’m scared that if I’m blunt and say I’m a freelancer and need boundaries on time and fees they’ll stop hiring me. The other side is if I don’t say anything I’ll just keep getting used.
So I’m thinking of asking for a written agreement before each project that states work hours, delivery schedule, number of revisions, deposit, and how far in advance they must give briefs. Is that overthinking it? Or should I try easing into it more casually first and only bring out paperwork if they don’t respect it?
Typing on my phone, sorry if I missed something.
What do you think? What should I do? If anyone’s been through this please share your experience.