Unpopular opinion: that "trust your gut" advice cost me $1,200

Had a graphic design client last spring who seemed great on paper, but my friend told me to ignore the weird vibes and just take the money. Wound up chasing invoices for 6 months after they ghosted me on a $1,200 bill. Has anyone else found "trust your gut" to be more reliable than optimistic advice from peers?

3 comments

3 Comments

faith278d ago

Oh wait did you hear about that study they did on gut feelings? I saw something on NPR a few months ago about how your brain actually processes stuff faster than your conscious mind can keep up. So that uneasy feeling you get is probably picking up on real red flags you're not even aware of yet. I think your friend meant well but they weren't the one who had to deal with the fallout. Your gut was trying to protect you from exactly this kind of headache.

kim_davis8d ago

That $1,200 lesson hurts but honestly it's cheap compared to what happens when you keep ignoring your gut. I've had subcontractors give me weird vibes before and every single time I didn't listen it cost me way more in the long run. Your brain picks up on small stuff like how they answer emails or handle payment talk before you even realize what's happening. Next time just tell your friend "I hear you but I'm passing" and don't feel bad about it.

fisher.jessica8d ago

@faith27 nailed it - my buddy ignored his gut on a rental deposit and lost $800.