The Hustle Gone Wrong: Why Some Engineers Collect Cash and Ghost

So, you give an engineer a project, pay advance money, and then… they ghost. No calls, no updates, just radio silence. You start wondering, "Did this guy just chop my money?" 😩 But relax first—before we drag all engineers, let's get into what’s really happening behind the scenes. Spoiler alert: it’s not always as simple as you think.

Here’s the full gist on why some engineers take on projects, collect that advance, and then disappear like air. 😅

1. Overcommitment: When You Think You Can, But You Really Can’t

You see ehn, most engineers—especially the ones that have full-time jobs—take on side gigs with all the excitement in the world. They see the project and think, "Ah, this one na small thing, I fit finish am sharp sharp." But guess what? Once they start coding, reality hits. That “easy” project starts becoming more complicated than expected.

It’s like when you buy jollof rice from that mama put that usually bangs, only for the rice to have this weird taste. You’re in too deep, and you can’t back out, but everything’s falling apart. 🙃

Instead of the engineer explaining what’s going on, they just start dodging your calls because they’re hoping for a miracle to fix the mess. Spoiler: miracles no dey happen like that.

2. Solo Warrior Mode: No Need to Do Everything Alone

Now, this one happens a lot. Some engineers think they must handle EVERYTHING by themselves. Maybe it’s pride, maybe na the "I sabi pass" syndrome, but either way, they try to be one-man armies. But bros, this mentality is why they’re ghosting o! They’re trying to code, design, test, and deploy all by themselves. They don tire.

The truth is, you no need to do everything yourself. You can team up with other developers, designers, or even bring in someone to help manage the project. But some engineers don’t realize this until they’re drowning in deadlines and deliverables.

3. That Advance Payment No Be Big Money Like That

Let’s talk about the money matter. When some engineers collect advance payments, they feel like ballers. "Ah, this money go solve everything!" Until they start spending it on tools, software, and time, and boom—before they even finish half the project, the money don finish.

Then comes the awkward part. They’re staring at a project that still needs work and no money left to fuel their motivation. Na there the wahala start. Engineers need to do better with time and cost estimation, so that advance no go just vanish like vapour before the real work even starts.

4. Full-Time Job + Side Gig = Stress + Burnout

The engineers wey dey ghost? Most of them have 9-to-5 jobs, and na these side gigs dem dey run after work. Imagine this: you don do full coding work from morning till 5 PM, and then you still need to grind another 4-5 hours on your side project. E go reach point wey body go shout, “I’m not doing again o!”

That’s when burnout sets in. Instead of facing clients and explaining why things are delayed, dem go just dodge your calls because they don’t even have the energy to deal with all the wahala. It’s not about disrespecting you; it’s just that their brain is tired, and they feel stuck.

5. Time and Budget Estimation: No Be Guesswork

Here’s where plenty engineers fall. They often miscalculate how long a project will take or how much it’ll cost. Maybe it’s optimism, maybe na overconfidence, but they’ll think something will take 10 days and then three weeks later, they’re still on it. Now, the money they collected up front don finish, and the project never reach half.

And when that happens, the whole thing becomes a burden. Engineers need to learn to break down projects better, plan time, and even use proper budgeting. That way, when the money starts to finish, they don’t just bail—they know how to manage it till the project ends.

6. Collaboration Is Key, But Many Don’t Know It

A lot of times, engineers don’t need to do it all. If you don’t get anything else from this article, get this: it’s okay to ask for help. You no need to code every single line yourself. You fit carry designers, testers, or even junior developers to help out.

But nah, some engineers believe they must carry the whole world on their shoulders. And then when the weight starts crushing them, they ghost. But with collaboration, you can handle more projects, reduce your stress, and still deliver on time. It’s a win-win for everybody.

7. Communication, Bros! Even If Na Bad News, Just Talk

Let’s be honest, when an engineer no dey pick calls, that thing dey pain! But here’s the thing: instead of avoiding your client because the project dey delay, it’s better to just talk. Trust me, people will forgive delays faster than they’ll forgive being ghosted.

Even if the project is running late or wahala don show, just call the client and explain. That small “Omo, this project dey give me small headache, but I dey try fix am” can save the whole relationship. But silence? Silence is how you kill trust.

Conclusion: No Be All Engineers Dey Ghost

Let’s make something clear—not all engineers collect advance payments and disappear. Plenty of them are out there grinding hard, delivering on time, and even over-delivering. But for the ones who fall into the trap of ghosting, it’s usually because they’ve taken on too much, miscalculated the work, or are just plain burnt out.

The solution? Simple. Better planning, a bit of collaboration, and abeg, pick your client’s call—even if the news isn’t good. With the right balance, engineers can stay on top of their projects and keep everyone happy.

So next time your engineer starts to ghost, before you vex too much, just know: it’s not always intentional. Sometimes, life just dey happen.