Guest blogger Chris Garrett left an awesome post at Freelance Folder today about his Top 5 Freelancing Mistakes. While Chris is on the money for each point, two mistakes really struck a chord with me: under-pricing and always saying yes.
See, the problem is, not too many freelancers are willing to discuss actual rates. They (Yours Truly included) throw out vague suggestions such as “figure out how much work and charge accordingly.” Um…yeah, but how much is accordingly? Many times I find out after I submit a bid, it could have been higher. But what if I submit a high bid and lose the client? It’s something I wrestle with every single time someone asks me about rates.
Now, I know I charge more than some of the people who visit this page, so there are writers who are going even lower. I also know there are plenty of you with really high rates, and you still get the gigs. My mission: find a happy medium.
Always saying yes
I have another problem. I can’t seem to turn down gigs and I’m always the first to volunteer if something opens up. At first I had this addiction to job boards and spent hours looking for work. (That addiction led me to create this blog.) I don’t troll the boards too often anymore as I have plenty of steady clients, but I don’t say no to anyone who asks, either. I think I’m afraid if I turn down one gig, my client will find someone else – perhaps someone who charges lower rates, or writes better – and that’s the end of that client.
My other problem is my need to work full time. My deal with my husband is for me to work full time as soon as my son is in school full time. That’s next year. Since freelancing is so unsteady, I’d rather have too much work than not enough. The problem is I tend to burnout when I take on too much. The solution? Find enough work to match a full time salary without going over 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week. (My . husband is “yeah right”ing over my shoulder as I type this.)
The first step is admitting the problem
It’s not easy freelancing. I know everyone thinks we have it made, but it’s give and take. The key is to allow ourselves to make mistakes once in a while, identify them and work on a solution.
October 9th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
Low pricing never wins in the long run. There’s always someone willing to wokr for less.
October 9th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
I’ve seen many low price gigs on the web like everyone else has. It IS very difficult to find a happy medium. I like the idea of striving for 40 hours a week though. I think it is an ideal goal.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:43 am
As a new freelance writer, there is a very thin line between being underpaid and getting jobs. You have to get jobs in order to establish yourself. At the same time, you do want to make money. UGH…things to think about for sure…