She Strengthens

The Value of Free Work: Why Giving Away Your Skills Can Pay Off

In the creative industry, a perpetual debate rages on: should professionals work for free? While some argue that doing so devalues their skills, others believe it’s essential for getting noticed. As a writer, I’ve grappled with this question, and my answer might surprise you: I think everyone should be prepared to do some work for free. But before you cry foul, let me explain.

The Price of Exposure

When I started out as a writer, I wrote for high-profile publications without receiving a cent. I didn’t ask for payment, and they didn’t offer it. In hindsight, I realize that not asking for compensation was a mistake. If you’re writing for a publication with a budget, it’s essential to ask for payment. Not doing so means they get to keep their money and still benefit from your work.

Demonstrating Value

The key to demanding payment is to prove your value to the employer or client. In industries with clear certification processes, this is straightforward. However, in creative fields where qualification is vague, it’s up to you to demonstrate your worth. This might mean building a portfolio, creating a blog, or establishing a social media presence. These efforts may not generate immediate income, but they can help you get noticed and eventually lead to paid opportunities.

The Benefits of Free Work

Doing free work can be beneficial at any stage of your career. When you’re starting out, it can provide valuable exposure and help you build a portfolio. Even when you’re more established, free work can help you transition to a new field or build a personal brand. For example, I built this website without pay for six months before monetizing it. The “free” aspect was about creating a presence in my field and establishing a body of content.

Establishing Your Worth

Ultimately, you must establish your own value and qualification. This means creating a body of work that showcases your skills and demonstrates your worth to potential employers or clients. Your value may lie in your audience, your performance, or your unique perspective. Whatever it is, you must be able to articulate it and prove it.

No One Is Too Good for Free Work

Even the most respected artists and professionals sometimes give away their work for free. It’s not about being too good for free work; it’s about recognizing the value of exposure, building your brand, and demonstrating your skills. By doing so, you can create opportunities that might not have arisen otherwise.

Balancing Free and Paid Work

The key is to strike a balance between free and paid work. While doing some work for free can be beneficial, it’s essential to ensure that you’re not undervaluing your skills or getting stuck in a rut of unpaid labor. By balancing free and paid work, you can build a successful career that showcases your value and rewards your efforts.