top of page
May 24, 20233 min read

Revaluing my Undervalue

Acknowledging my worth in the writing world


Title card with value quote

I received a request on one of my Fiverr gigs not long ago. The client wanted a 1,000-word article on errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. In addition, it needed to include several keywords defined through Surfer SEO.


The rate I originally quoted for such a Fiverr project was $40. I know, a heinous undervalue for the amount of work. So, I emailed the client asking for double the rate. Despite their acceptance, something nagged at me.


Oh, [PG-rated swear word], I thought. I undervalued my services once again.

A Bad Habit

As mentioned in a previous entry, undervaluing myself isn't new. It's a bad habit I developed years ago when I connected full-time writing with immediate financial freedom. Unfortunately, I underestimated myself, so the previously enjoyable task became a ball and chain around my keyboard.


Edit your manuscript for pennies? Absolutely. Format your book without extra fees? Sure. Write a 1,000-word, keyword-laden article for four cents a word? You bet your bippy I will.

I didn't establish glowing reviews accepting these jobs. On the contrary, people who wanted to save money rubbed their hands with glee, chuckled evilly, and took advantage of my ignorance. As they did, my goal to shed the shackles of 40-hour work weeks faded faster than my hairline.


I continued to undervalue myself even after my bipolar diagnosis. Part of this was my brain readjusting to a sense of normality. The rest was -- well, let's face it -- abject fear.

No one would hire me to write their promotional material when the odor of my uncertainty flowed through the phone or Zoom conference. Thousands of others could do it better than me. So, I wrote for pennies instead of dollars.

Breaking Bad (Habits)

I couldn't fathom an exit out of this circle of hell. In fact, according to a guide to Dante's Nine Circles, I couldn't make my way out of several of them. Then I found the right therapist.

She doesn’t say, “So, how does that make you feel?” after I spill my guts. Instead, over the last year, she has been blunt about my behaviors and provided tools to get past my worst habits.


In my past life, when someone presented me with alternatives to move forward, my narcissistic tendencies kicked in (stupid bipolar disorder), and I guffawed at the suggestions. Why change when my waste matter didn't produce unpleasant aromas? Finally, however, with meds firmly in place, I implemented my present therapist's ideas.

By damn, they worked.


Slowly, I started to rethink the value of my writing. Further, I reassessed my worth as a human being. As I grew, I realized my errors. Instead of wallowing in them and heading toward the rabbit hole, I acknowledge they happened and moved on.


I'm currently in the process of reevaluating my worth. I paused my Fiverr gigs so I could come up with a better pricing plan. For example, I may charge ten cents a word for a simple 500-word article. However, bigger jobs will have a considerably higher price point.


What Did We Learn Today, Rich?

You're more than you think you are. You have the talent and resources to push your writing forward. Don't let the cheapskates of the world tell you different.


All the best.

Rich Scott Keller

 

Comments

bottom of page