Putting 'Value Your Work' into Practice

I've been struggling to get consistent work recently. It’s been a challenge ever since my mental health unraveled completely in the fall. I admit I’ve been getting desperate to find work to get that win and boost my self-confidence. I’ve been questioning my skills and abilities as a writer.

That made this week even tougher when, after several days of back-and-forth with a prospective client, they hit me with a pay rate that wasn’t just low for a writer with over a decade of experience but it was low even for an entry-level writer.

It wasn’t a gig that aligned with my interests or one that would lead to bigger opportunities. From all signs, it was just another content mill, best suited for someone looking for coffee money. But I make my coffee at home.

I was left in a tough spot. A spot that wouldn’t have been as tough if I had steady clients or if my creative projects like this site and my podcast were making real money. But right now, I don’t have a single firm client, and the money I make from my personal work barely qualifies as pocket change.

My mind was screaming, You need a win! I wanted to justify that someone appreciated my writing skills. I almost convinced myself that even at this insultingly low rate, maybe this could at least be a start—some momentum.

BZZZT! Wrong.

The offer meant they didn’t value my work. Content mills never lead to copy that’s portfolio-worthy. At that rate, I wouldn’t be able to deliver work I was proud of, make a decent living, or have time to secure better-paying work.

Desperation leads to bad choices—especially when you're neurodivergent.

I need to listen to the advice of past Christopher: Value my work. Have faith in my abilities.

Something will come. A creator has to stand behind their work and refuse to sell it for peanuts. They must believe they can achieve greatness if they ever hope to build a successful career.

I’ll say no. I’ll keep battling to bring my career to life again.

If you enjoy my work and want to support me during this challenging time, please consider donating through PayPal. Thank you.