Great post!

I have to admit I felt the same way when I started taking photos professionally. The inner-critic is harsh and cold. I really gave away a lot of my services and rationalized that it was “a learning investment.” What really pushed me to be firm about pricing and fees, though, was how I realized how important my time is to me (especially now that I have a child). When seeing the world through those glasses, it became fairly easy to self-assess what I’m able to offer and what it’s worth.

It’s sort of a shotgun approach, but it does alleviate the stress of worrying about over-charging and such.

Keep it up!

As a computer support person I struggle with most (if not all) of the things you talk about. I have always tinkered with Computers/Tech but it is different when it is not your computer. I especially struggle with charging people for the extra time when it takes longer than expected. I give AWAY way too many hours. My “marketing” manager is always on me for this.

Bottom line: My logical part of my brain knows, that I am the best value in town for work I do. But when things get a little funky (as computers do), one has to dig deep into the online community, and that takes time. I guess if the problem was easy, then I would not have been called in.

I like your comments on tutoring. Like you, I agree it is a good feeling knowing that you are helping them help themselves. For those that are interested, I always attempt to show/teach them what I know, so they don’t have to contact me next time.

However, great job with the tutoring. Sounds like you really connect at a level that is good for the client/student.

We should get together and swap notes/tools sometime.

Cheers,
Michael