The Value of Work

I've been thinking a lot about work lately. For one thing, there was the possibility of a part-time job in my field that came to my attention before Christmas. I don't know if it will work out or if it is even still on the table, but I am very much interested.

I've also cleaned up my work space downstairs. It had to be done, but I saw little point, since I have so little time to do any work. In fact, I barely have time to check my email and blog these days. However, Liam is constantly poking at my laptop in the living room these days and if I am to do anything constructive, I am going to need my space back. I like my space, so it was really nice to make some progress with that.

The thing that is bothering me is that I have one client who I have been doing some marketing writing for. I wish it was more writing, but I have a couple kids underfoot and one doesn't sleep much. It's just getting better. I feel better and my brain feels like it is suddenly back online. So, I filed my last invoice for 2008 and got a shocker back. They are dropping their rates from $50/article down to $30/article!

At $50 it was just enough for me to feel like I was earning something. $30 makes me feel ripped off. Furthermore, I have a hard time condoning this kind of behaviour. What does that say about the value of what I do for a living? If I write them, then they think they can get this kind of work for so little money. On the other hand, this is a steady client and I don't have a huge amount of work right now (mostly because of not being out there drumming up business due to the kids and having my focus be elsewhere).

So what do I do?

I am still pondering this one.