Money, Money, Money . . . Can You Ask for It? #SOCS
Money.
I love it. I need it. I can’t to without it.
No. There’s one more thing I can’t do with money.
I can’t ask for it.
And it makes me CRAZY.
I’m a good writer. I’ve written things that have won awards. (Need to update my bio desperately).
I turn things in on time.
Why is asking what I’m going to be paid — and making sure it’s what my time and talent is worth so BLOODY hard?
I met with an editor I adore Friday.
She was giving me some assignments. If there should be anyone I feel comfortable taking rates with it would be her.
But when I got to the point of asking what she could pay, the words came out halting, stumbling like when I was 11 and asking Jimmy to the Sadie Hawkins dance.
I don’t get why I have this problem. There is some work I want to take, but need to ask for more money this time — if it’s going to be worth the time and effort for me.
Why can’t I do that?
* * *
This has always been a problem for me. I remember asking for raises at other, traditional work-outside of home jobs.
Painful.
Do you have a problem asking for money in work situation?
This post was for the wonderful Jana’s @jana’s thinking place Stream of Consciousness Sunday.
Her prompt this week: What have you done recently or would like to do that’s outside your comfort zone?
Join us.
his was my 5 minute Stream of Consciousness Sunday post. It’s five minutes of your time and a brain dump. Want to try it? Here are the rules…
- Set a timer and write for 5 minutes.
- Write an intro to the post if you want but don’t edit the post. No proofreading or spellchecking. This is writing in the raw.
- Publish it somewhere. Anywhere. The back door to your blog if you want. But make it accessible.
- Add the Stream of Consciousness Sunday badge to your post (in the sidebar). .
- Link up your post below.
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Tough… I’m the same way with money, but it is a bit different since I am a teacher. I’m sure that you will be forced to get used to this as you continue to grow as a writer. Perhaps you can practice with your editor and the editor can give you advice on how best to ask in ways that are comfortable for you.
I imagine there are a lot of people who can relate to your post today. Asking for money based on what you think you’re worth is one of the most stressful, outside the comfort zone, things one can do. If you tout your fabulousness too much, you’re deemed a braggart, but if you play the demure role, you’re deemed weak. It’s a happy medium that everyone has to find for themselves. Whatever you do, don’t sell yourself short. Good luck with whatever the endeavor! 🙂
I can totally see this being hard. I don’t have a problem with a work situation but I find it hard to ask for deals or a better price for something I’m buying. I think the more I do it, I’m getting more used to it. I bet once you have to more often, it will get easier. Do you have the number in your head before you go into the meeting? Also, don’t tell but I role play with myself a lot or write it down on paper as a script if I’m doing it over the phone.
I agree Gina. I’m sure like most things it would get easier the more I do it. The problem is that I always let them set the price. I understand different markets have different ranges, but your suggestion of going in with a number is a good one.
I find that doing it in writing, when you can take the time and stumble on the words without any witnesses, helps. Good post!
I so get this problem. If I ever got paid to write, I’d be so excited that I’d probably take whatever they offered. Then I’d bitch to my husband about how hard I worked for nothing. Whee! Fear, it’s what’s for dinner.
That’s the root of the problem. I did do a lot of free writing a few years ago to get established. And I don’t regret it one bit. In fact that’s what I would tell anybody (including myself). If it’s a great opportunity for experience and exposure don’t pass it up for money. But now I feel like I do have something of value to bring to these markets so I why should I feel weird about stating what I think is a fair price for compensation?
This is one of my biggest hurdles – for a million reasons.
I enjoy what I do – editing, blogging, crocheting, reviewing – and I like to think I do it all pretty well. But, there is pressure (from inside and outside) to make money at these things.
When it comes time to set a price – or ask for what I think I’m worth – I panic. Is it too much? too little? Will they think I’m full of … myself {wink}? Am I devaluating my work by ‘lowballing’ my price?
It’s crippling.
I think this is such a fabulous post. I’m one who rarely gets paid for work, but I get stuff to work on or review, etc. I just don’t think or know that I’m worth it so I don’t have a comfort zone there – but you should! Ha! I sound ridiculous, don’t I? Good luck finding your zone!
I know exactly how you feel. I have a day job as an editor, so for some reason I keep thinking that I don’t need to get paid for my outside writing. I know I’m crazy. But, it is just so hard.
I do the same thing and I undervalue my worth and cannot ask for it. Ever.