Won’t work for free and neither should you.

I recently read an article about photographers and why they shouldn’t be asked to work for free. I’ve been saying this for some time! Shouldn’t we all be saying it?!

I have a friend who is a photographer, and I paid her to do my photo shoot. I have a friend who does skin care, I pay her too. I have a friend who does hair and I pay her as well. All 3 women have offered their services for free but I reject them. Not because I don’t appreciate their thoughtfulness, I do indeed. I’m happy to receive a friends and family discount.

If you have a business to run and profit from, you should be doing that. I don’t nanny for free, it’s my job. However, for my dear friends, I offer a discount. It’s a win-win. I make a profit, they pay for a service at a discount. Both parties are happy. Both parties benefit.

We live in the worst economic downfall our generation will (hopefully) ever see. People shouldn’t be working for free or asked to work for free. Your time is valuable. Do not be taken advantage of people! I get irate when I hear of other’s asking their friends to do things like this for free. If you have a professional service to perform, get paid for it, at least a little bit.

And Amy, if you are reading this, I will kick you in the shin the next time you offer to give free skin care. I will never accept. Your time is valuable. Your talents and knowledge are worth paying for, even at a discounted rate.

End of rant.