PEI based client paid 50%, ghosted before delivery.. feeling demotivated

Honestly posting this out of frustration and to understand if this is just how freelancing goes.

I’m 25F, a freelance web developer. This was my first time working with a PEI based client, and I genuinely went into it excited and optimistic.

We agreed on a website build for 500$. He paid 250$ upfront, which felt fair. The deal was clear: I’d build a 3 page website for his business, and he’d provide his property agency details, content, and images because those were very specific to his business.

I worked hard and finished the website in about a week. I was honestly proud of how it turned out.

And then… everything just stalled.

I kept following up for the content needed to finalize the site. He’d reply occasionally saying he was travelling abroad. Days turned into weeks. I didn’t want to be pushy, so I stayed polite and patient.After almost 4 weeks, he replied once!!!??? and then completely disappeared.

No replies. No explanation. No “I’m busy.” Nothing.

The website is sitting there, almost finished. I’ve spent way more time than I planned, chasing updates instead of working on other projects. The remaining payment never came. And I’m left feeling like I trusted too easily.

What hurts isn’t just the money. It’s the feeling of being taken for granted and the time I’ll never get back.

I really want to know..

Is this kind of behavior common when dealing with clients?

Do freelancers here take 100% upfront because of this?

How do you protect yourself from getting stuck like this?

Not trying to attack anyone or stereotype... I just want to learn from this and not repeat the same mistake again.

Would really appreciate advice from anyone who’s been freelancing here or has dealt with similar situations.

Thanks for reading if you've come this far !!