Comments on: Why You Shouldn’t Ask for a Raise

By: The Best of FWJ:15 Blog Posts About Rates : Freelance Writing Jobs

The Best of FWJ:15 Blog Posts About Rates : Freelance Writing Jobs — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:20:27 +0000

[...] Why You Shouldn’t Ask for a Raise [...]

By: James Chartrand - Men with Pens

James Chartrand - Men with Pens — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:07:38 +0000

Hey Lisa,

I do still write for FWJ, and I’ll be posting once a week, moving up to twice or more a week in the beginning of the next year.

However, I’ve been sick as a dog for the past two weeks and am just getting back on my feet. I wasn’t able to comment or post during those two weeks, and I’m glad to know that I was missed.

Your understanding is greatly appreciated.

James

By: Aurora

Aurora — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:58:29 +0000

Nice one Lisa! I am so adding that to my list of “Creative ways to get a new gig”, heh. Maybe James is on vacation or something. I’ve moved on to a different ‘portal’, but caught your message.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:50:37 +0000

Does James still write for FWJ? He doesn’t post or respond to comments. I’d like the job if he doesn’t want it. lol.

By: Aurora

Aurora — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:07:25 +0000

I couldn’t agree more. I’m going into my fourth year on one writing gig and I get paid the same dollar amount today that I did in 2004.

The issue some might have, I think, is that if you work in an office or anywhere, you are going to get a pay raise at some point in four years. But to me, this is a part of being a freelancer. I don’t get sick leave, vacation pay, or a raise once in awhile.

If you decide to increase your rates, that is one thing, but personally I still would not do that for existing client unless there was a very good reason (as you pointed out in your post). When I need a pay raise — I choose find new work and increase my workload and overall freelance writing income.

I think your post had a lot of very good advice for freelancers, and I am looking forward to reading more on this topic.