When to charge more and when to work for less
Yes, both factors are important in a fulfilling media career.
Today I’m sharing a couple of stories relevant to writing, freelancing, and media jobs more broadly.
I always advise freelancers to raise their rates when appropriate and to cut low-paying clients, which represent a major opportunity cost when taken on uncritically. On the flip side, there are bona fide reasons when working for less makes sense as part of an intentional, mindful project mix.
I think these two pieces, from Contently and the ASJA blog respectively, make for interesting counterweights on the topic of how to approach earning within a career that is both highly compensated and also highly rewarding.
Can Freelancers Capitalize on the ‘Great Resignation’ and Raise Their Rates?
Pricing yourself is one of the trickiest parts of the freelance dance. Do you go with a flat fee? A dollar per word? How about an hourly rate? Add imposter syndrome into the mix, and it’s no wonder that so many freelancers keep their fees the same for years on end… But the times they are a-changin’—and it might be high time for freelance creatives to reassess what they charge.
Why—and When—I Write for Low-Paying Markets
Early in my freelance career, I learned that to make it, I would need to reach for high-paying assignments. Soon after that, I learned that the high paying assignments weren’t always as interesting to me… Luckily, my freelance mentors taught me how to diversify my client base so that I could make money and follow my curiosities.
Open Press Opportunities
I’m looking for a fresh round of subjects for my budget grocery column on Allrecipes. In this bimonthly column, I profile home cooks with interesting stories who are willing to share their shopping strategies and weekly budget info.
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