My uncle told me to never take a job for less than my rate, even when I was broke

He said this about 8 months ago when I was really struggling and almost took a writing gig for 5 cents a word. I told him I needed the money, but he was firm and said it would trap me. I listened, turned it down, and spent that week looking harder. The next week, I landed a regular client at my full 12 cent rate. If I had taken that cheap job, I would have been stuck in that cycle and too busy to find better work. It felt scary to say no to money, but he was right. It's about survival, not just quick cash. Has anyone else had to walk away from a bad offer when things were tight?

2 comments

2 Comments

robinson.quinn12d ago

Turned down a gig that paid in "exposure" once. Who pays their rent with a pat on the back?

phoenix_campbell8812d ago

What kind of gig was it, and how did they try to sell you on the exposure being worth it? I've seen some wild pitches.