That sinking feeling when a client asks you to cut a dangerous corner

Just had a guy yesterday who wanted a six foot privacy fence for his pool. He asked if we could just set the posts in gravel to save money, no concrete at all. I had to tell him straight up that it wouldn't hold, especially with our clay soil that shifts a ton. He got pretty mad and said his buddy did it and it was fine. It's a real moral pinch, you know? Do you take the job and do it wrong, or walk away and know someone else might do the unsafe thing he wants? Honestly, it keeps me up at night thinking a fence like that could fall on a kid.

3 comments

3 Comments

iris_jones891mo ago

Totally get that sinking feeling. Walking away is the only call when safety's on the line.

ruby_wilson1mo ago

Ugh, I read somewhere that leaving isn't running away, it's self-preservation. Really sticks with me.

jenniferc711mo ago

Spot on about self-preservation. That's not just about you, it's about protecting your name and your peace of mind. Imagine that fence tipping over in a storm and your company name is on the permit. Or worse, someone gets hurt and you have to live with knowing you built it. Walking away from a bad job is how you make sure you can sleep at night.