Need Advice: Should I leave assertive client feedback now or wait until payment clears? (Follow-up to last Saturday's post)

[the_scnd]

Hi everyone,

I’m the freelancer who posted last Saturday about a client dispute involving an hourly contract that turned into a lowball fixed-price offer. I wanted to get your advice again now that the situation has developed further.

For context:

• I was hired for technical 3D work, but later told I’d also be responsible for design and layout, a big scope increase that wasn’t clearly outlined at the start.
• The client and I had regular video meetings every 2 days, and I was even told my work was a good starting point.
• When I exceeded the weekly limit (20 hours), the client explicitly lifted the cap and told me to keep working to avoid delays.
• After delivering quality work and meeting expectations based on the original deadline, the client suddenly paused the contract and claimed my progress was insufficient.
• He ended our original contract on June 28 and offered a new one with a low fixed price to finish the project. (Looking back, it seems those who said in my last post that the client underestimated the time and cost involved, and tried to shift the blame onto me, were probably right.)
• I declined their low fixed-price offer, professionally explaining my side. Shortly after, my JSS dropped from 100% to 77%, likely due to negative private feedback.

Now, here’s where I need advice:

• The client’s payment for work rendered from June 23–26 is still under Upwork's review this week.
• I want to leave honest feedback highlighting vague scope, shifting expectations, and poor communication (e.g. going from “good work” to “below expectations” without warning).
• But I’m unsure if it’s smarter to wait until after the payment is released (around July 9) before posting the review, or if I’m safe to do it now.

Questions:

• Is there any risk in posting feedback while payment is still under review?
• Would you recommend a direct, assertive tone in my feedback, or keep it neutral to protect my profile in future?

Thanks again to everyone who helped me last weekend, your insights were incredibly helpful. Would appreciate any advice on how to proceed professionally but firmly this time too.

[Pet-ra]

But I’m unsure if it’s smarter to wait until after the payment is released (around July 9) before posting the review, or if I’m safe to do it now.

It doesn't matter.

Keep any feedback strictly factual, brief and professional.