Freelance does not equal free work - Webmaster Forum - Web Design and Development - SEO

capty99 · 04-04-2007, 06:01 PM

I am not sure what it is about being a freelance web designer, or just a computer geek in general that makes everyone around you think you are willing to give away your services.

I mean, how many times have you been asked to design a 'quick' website for someone, or troubleshoot someone's computer?

I will offer my services to friends if something is wrong that I can fix real quick but find it really annoying to be the go-to-guy for a bunch of services that anyone else would charge for.

I spent time learning graphic design and web design and today was asked twice if I would design a website for two different people for free, because its 'not a big deal' and 'good for my portfolio.' This may be true but really, who else works like that....

You don't tell your plumber that you will recommend them to others so therefore the work should be free. Eh. People. Give me some money

Sorry for the rant but I made a point today of doing very little free work anymore, hopefully the myth doesn't get spread any farther that I am happy to do it all the time!

Any similar experiences ? haha

marab · 04-04-2007, 06:56 PM

I understand what you mean. However, I haven't had the problem myself. I am just getting started, so I haven't had that problem. I, for one, think you SHOULD get paid for your work.

10cents · 04-04-2007, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capty99

Any similar experiences ? haha

Absolutely and you beat me to the rant. :D

I do a bit of web development on the side and some hardware trouble shooting too. Somehow, word got around that I knew something about web development and trouble shooting and acquaintances started asking for favors or recommended me to their friends.

There was one guy who gave me a bar of soap after I cleared his computer of viruses. It would have been better if he simply said thank you.

I'm not really asking that much, even a token amount would suffice. But a bar of soap???

Did you have any experience of receiving something crazy like that for your efforts?

:D

mtajim · 04-05-2007, 12:09 AM

Freelancing does not mean doing work for free , you do get better amount of money if you freelance , working without money is volunteering , not freelancing

capty99 · 04-05-2007, 12:39 AM

yeah, we understand that,
but just the profession in general,
and any kind of knowledge about computers seems to set you up to be taken advantage of a little bit.

especially if you are still in the earlier stages of your career (as i am)

randle · 04-05-2007, 10:16 AM

Im totally on your side with that one, I have many people who think that im suppose to jus do it because I know how. Its like how am I suppose to live doing free work for you, please. lol

lowco2525 · 04-05-2007, 01:55 PM

Though I haven't experieced it myself, I do see it happen so I know what you mean. It's hard to tell your friend to pay you, but it's not fair to work for free either. :P

mtajim · 04-06-2007, 02:02 AM

While freelancing its not necessary that you work only for your friends , there are whole lot of other people too who will need your work

lowco2525 · 04-06-2007, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtajim

While freelancing its not necessary that you work only for your friends , there are whole lot of other people too who will need your work

Yes. It is probably more ideally anyways to find other people, instead of your friends, anyways. Like I said, you don't want to be in a situation where your friend won't cough up the money!

randle · 04-06-2007, 12:01 PM

It's better to find someone who isn't your friend. Friends tend to get a little too comfortable with your profession. I don't care really they know regardless they will be charged for my work.