How to always get paid your worth as a freelancer?
Who can relate? All your energy has gone into a project and while it is your passion and you felt good while creating it. After the project is finished *crickets*.
You chase them and they are slow to respond, it can be frustrating and infuriating.
A similar situation happened to me this week where I was only paid half of the money that was agreed! It left me feeling so annoyed.
To help myself and other freelancers that may be struggling with being paid!
I have written a list of tell-tell signs so you can avoid working with these kind of people/companies that don't match up with your values! I hope you find it useful.
⚡In the beginning stages assess whether the person/company is a good fit!
⚡Is the project meaningful? Will it be enjoyable? Does it match your goals
⚡Also assess yourself and be aware of how you may be coming across? Communication wise, make sure it's all lined up with who you are?
⚡Listen out for clues during the decision making stages such as...
⚡ A lot of back and forth/ unorganised / all over the place type of behaviour and it feels tense.
⚡Constantly trying to haggle you down to lower your price / reduce or cherry pick your services or quality you usually aim for.
⚡Lack of clarity on a project / how long they will need you for / not sure when it will start etc.
⚡ Sudden shifts in decisions, one minute it seems like your not the person for the job, the next minute you are!
⚡Problems with upfront payments/contracts not agreeing to a date when you will be paid or giving you ultimatum's - I will only pay you if 'x' happens.
⚡If you feel you have to jump through hoops to make them happy. Chances are you're not going to!
Don't put yourself through the stress of trying to prove your worth to people that don't see it!
Avoid like the plague! 😉
⚡And lastly, check yourself to see if you do any of these things mentioned! It might be a reason why it keeps coming up in your experience.
Sincerely, Christina (Founder of Always Create Co.)
🥂🥂Cheers to more successful interactions with people, being paid on-time and doing great work!!
*Remember your gut instinct will never lead you astray!