I just overestimated the fuck out of some tasks because I knew the client would come back last minute and cut the deadline in half.

2 days later they do just that, luckily I overestimated the work so now it's all good.

The annoying thing is that they keep doing this, but since I work for an agency I have no power to drop this client since they give us a lot of work, so that sucks

"this needs to be done by Thursday now"

"yeah well it won't"

@N00bPancakes I'll probably tell them to pay for more developers if they want things done quicker

Under promise, over deliver.

That's known as "Scotty Factor".

Captain Kirk: Mr. Scott. Have you always multiplied your repair estimates by a factor of four?
Scotty: Certainly, Sir. How else can I keep my reputation as a miracle worker?

@Fast-Nop Haha so accurate

Wow. That sounds like the client saw that they can get away with pushing you around like that and they will keep doing it as long as you let that happen. Also know that the first time you screw up because of too short of a deadline, you will be the one responsible because you agreed. Thats just what they do.

Working with clients requires mutual respect, and even if you CAN do something faster doesn't mean they can disrespect you by always cutting the deadline. If you want to handle this, you should start by saying no, no matter how much they beg or they "need it by that time". They will learn not to push you around. Just set the normal deadline though.

Time is also a thing you negotiate, not only the price. And lowballing someone is the weakest and most disrespectful negotiation tactic. You can concede some time but it should be very rare make it a big deal and a huge favour. If you don't respect your time, they as sure wont :)