Ulog 14 | Chicken Feed

Two days ago, a friend contacted me regarding a job opening. We had a brief negotiation and I began the job. About 10 hours ago, I ended the contact. That’s a summary of what you’re about to read and then some more.

Broke

For those who have been following my ulogs, my financial status has always been a major feature. Well, when I’m broke, a whole lot of things are affected. It even influences my decision making as I try to conserve as much as I can. Well, it certainly did this time.

I was with a friend in my apartment wondering who I could call for a loan when a call came it. It was from an old friend who knew I sometimes freelance as a writer. My friend informed me that this old friend of mine had called earlier. I guess money was around the corner. I was getting excited already.

This friend of mine told him someone had opened a blog and wanted a freelance writer. She wanted someone to provide news articles on the daily- three articles per day. He wanted to know if I was interested and how much I wanted. Of course, I was interested. I mean, I am broke. I indicated interest and asked to be paid $10 per day.

Chicken Feed.

My friend responded that $10 per day was too much. He explained that the job required short pieces culled from other news site. On my part, I informed him of my financial status and how it would affect my decision making. I was terrible broke so I could settle for any price. To ensure I didn’t shortchange myself, I decided to bargain from a higher level. At the end of the day, we settled for roughly $55/month. That’s less than a dollar per day and that covers the three articles.

Normally, I charge 36 cents per word. That should give me at two-three dollars per day. That means I was doing the job for far less than I normally would. In short, I was doing it for mere change. Well, if I was going to be paid that little, I didn’t expect to put in so much effort into the job.

Yesterday was day one and I sent in the three pieces. They were from news articles I had read that morning. I simply rewrote them in my own words and credited the source. I did the same for today. So when my friend informed me that the client was not impressed with the work, I wasn’t surprised and neither was he. For all we cared, she was getting true value for the money she paid.

Lessons Learnt

Now that I think about it, I remember someone had mentioned that I should never accept a job for less than its worth as that could affect quality. Even more, it could ruin one’s reputation.

Thankfully my friend vouched for my writing prowess so the client believed I was simply having a bad day. But next time, I would make sure to accept a job I could deliver up to par.

Well, I’m seeking out my next gig. If Stem prices rise before then, I wouldn’t have to.

Blessings