Stuck on a Hard Project? Impossible → 5-Star Review

How I Got a 5-Star Review After Not Completing the Job (And Why $1/Hour Was Worth It)

The Situation

Just wrapped up a Google Click ID project that took 2 months, 60 hours of work, and netted me exactly $1 per hour.

But here's the interesting part - I got a 5-star review despite not fully completing the job myself.

What Went Wrong

I took on a project implementing a Google Click ID capture system.

After weeks of working with an API that didn't solve the problem, I realized this wasn't my expertise - we needed a Google Ads specialist.

The Learning Process

During those 60 hours I:

Dove deep into Google Ads

Coded with Tag Manager

Studied Shopify site editing

Explored various API implementations

The Plumber Analogy

Imagine a plumber who:

Gets hired to fix a kitchen sink

Checks the first pipe - all good

Checks the second pipe - all good

Discovers the real problem is deep underground

It's beyond their expertise

What I Should Have Done

When you realize a project is beyond your scope:

Be upfront immediately

Propose ending the contract early

Suggest a reduced payment

Help transition to the right expert

FAQ

Q: Should you continue working on projects outside your expertise?

A: No, it's better to admit limitations early and help find the right expert

Q: Is it worth working for $1/hour to maintain good relationships?

A: Sometimes yes, if it builds long-term reputation and leads to positive reviews

Q: When should you cut your losses on a project?

A: As soon as you realize it's beyond your expertise or initial scope

Q: When should you NOT cut your losses on a project?

A: IF it's something you really want to learn anyways, but it's best if you can get extra time to dive deep into it. If it's something within the field you want to get into or think is useful, then you might lose time and even money on some projects, just keep going…

The Takeaway

While I made mistakes in this project, maintaining good client relationships and securing that 5-star review was worth more than the hourly rate.

Sometimes protecting your reputation means taking a short-term financial hit.

Moving Forward

For future projects, I'll:

Set clearer scope boundaries

Identify expertise limitations earlier

Be more confident in ending projects that aren't the right fit

Focus on productized services to avoid scope creep

Remember: Good reputation and positive client relationships often matter more than short-term profits.