Comments on: Lori’s Annual Reminder That You’re Worth More Than You Think

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:55:00 +0000

Amanda, envision it. It’ll happen.

By: Kimberly Ben

Kimberly Ben — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:47:00 +0000

Im busier than ever because I spent so much time marketing Sept – Nov. 2008. No one’s blinking an eye at my rates so far. I’m still busy, but I need to market a bit more – don’t want to get too comfortable and suddenly find that there aren’t enough projects to pay the bills. I’m also diversifying my income with some other personal projects – I’m also working on a concentrated niche ebook and blog that I hope will do well.

Yeah, I’ve seen the increase in crap jobs. Some people are taking advantage of this economy and many people have bills to pay NOW so it’s tough all around. Like Rebecca said, a lot of companies get rid of the creative dept.s first wehn downsizing which can be great for us freelancers!

By: Rebecca Smith

Rebecca Smith — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 21:09:00 +0000

Well said, Lori!

Don't want to jinx myself, but, yes, I've definitely experienced an upswing in work in recent months. And we're talking non-crap jobs here: fundraising materials, ads, brochures. Clients tell me that they're downsizing their marketing departments, so they're increasingly relying on freelancers. Great for us!

By: Angie Ledbetter

Angie Ledbetter — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:47:00 +0000

I think I’ll just look for a nice blogging job or two that pay well.

By: Amanda Nicole

Amanda Nicole — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:02:00 +0000

There is definitely a crapload more of crap jobs lately. Where once I could sift through the crap on Craigslist, it’s pretty much all scams and ultra low-paying jobs now.

I haven’t cut my rates or taken those low-paying jobs yet, but I tell ya, if I don’t land another big or steady gig to supplement my other work, I’m not sure what I’ll do. And it’s certainly not a matter of not looking for the work – I spend 2 hours every day of the week looking for and replaying to job postings and half my weekend composing and sending query letters. At least your post injected a bit of confidence! Thanks!

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:54:00 +0000

There are more of them than ever. Taking jobs like that costs you in the long run, because you don't get paid anywhere near what you're worth, you're not treated well, and most of the time, the work you do for these places doesn't result in clips that can get you higher-paying work.

If you don't respect yourself (and working for reasonable rates is part of that), you're not giving potential employers a reason to respect you, either.

The work's out there; you just have to show some initiative in finding it.