I split: setup, the main job, a second job if real, integrations, QA on real devices, buffer for the unknown. I show the buffer. Hidden buffers feel like padding. Visible buffers feel like adulthood.
If they cut the buffer, they buy the risk. I write that down.
Integrations are not a line named "API"
Each system is a mini-project: auth, mapping, failure, retries. A WMS is not "one endpoint."
I estimate my calendar, not a fantasy twin
If I have other work, the elapsed time is longer than the hours. Clients live in elapsed time. I say both.
