Job Postings – May 15, 2007
Supply and Demand
Yesterday’s rambling about traffic held a hidden gem of a topic – how compensation for freelancers would change if the corporate world were to suddenly embrace telecommuting. Two thoughts went through my head simultaneously as Mike Seiber commented on the idea of better compensation in a “new” world. First, our salaries would indeed suddenly make sense to those who are now working from home and seeing that it’s not as easy/fun/relaxing as they thought. Second, would the salary adjustment last?
The reason I thought the second is this – we price according to the supply/demand of our industry. We’re available to help with one call or email. We have the perceived freedom (and it is a perception only) of dropping what we’re doing and writing or editing at will. Once the world starts working from home and catches on to the idea that we’re just grunting it out like everyone else, will our value suddenly diminish? Call it too much chocolate-induced worrying or call it hindsight, but I want to toss that idea out to writers and see if it sticks or stinks.
I’m an optimist – I think our newfound value would last. Mind you, there will be factors working to bring us down, such as writers who will work sixteen weeks for five bucks or who will work for the dreaded “ad revenue” cop-out. But I think our intrinsic value will remain and those now working from home will sympathize with the 10 p.m. client calls and will share our love of the Caller ID features.
Time will tell, I guess. Meanwhile, see if some of these jobs will help spike your annual net worth. Where the information was available, I posted salary info.
WordPress Blogger Pays $1K/mo.
Baking Blogger Salary plus bonus
Ghostwriter
Contributing Editor (FT, but the word “contributing” suggests offsite)
Freelance Writer Pay per assignment
Freelance Writer
Medical Copy Editor
Copywriter
Real Estate Exam Writer
I agree with you Lori, I think our value would last. It takes a great deal of self discipline to work from home. I have worked from home and for other people off and on for 25 years. I always end up going back to work from home.
My mother-in-law to this day will ask “What are you doing now?” I say, “Working.” She says “Oh, where at?” I reply “At home.” She just stares at me.
Perception IS not always reality.
“Once the world starts working from home and catches on to the idea that we’re just grunting it out like everyone else, will our value suddenly diminish?”
I think the exact opposite would happen. If clients understand that we’re “grunting it out” too and that it’s not exactly a walk in the park, I think our value will last if not increase (wishful thinking!). Perhaps they’d see it’s not as easy as some people think.