Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship 1898: [Part 1] Should You Ever Work For Free by Vicki Cook and Amy Blacklock of Women Who Money on Unpaid Work Boundaries
Dec 11, 2025
Explore the compelling discussion on whether freelancers should ever work for free. Delve into the risks of unpaid work that can jeopardize time and income, particularly for women. Learn how exposure rarely leads to paying clients and can inadvertently devalue industry standards. Discover the criteria for determining when unpaid work might be beneficial, such as gaining experience or building a portfolio. Finally, understand the broader impact of unpaid labor on market dynamics and why valuing your time is essential.
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Prioritize Paid Work Over Free Gigs
- Avoid unpaid gigs when they replace opportunities to earn or grow your business income.
- Value your time and prioritize paid work or activities that directly advance your business.
Exposure Doesn't Equal Paying Customers
- Exposure rarely converts into reliable paying customers or measurable business results.
- Bigger audiences don't guarantee target-market reach or future paid work.
Free Work Harms Market Rates
- Accepting unpaid work can depress market rates and harm other freelancers.
- One free blog post can become an expectation that undermines fair pay across the field.
