I started this off as a musing on if we should charge for our services, but found it became a little more personal as I explored options.
I offer it here to others who face the same dilemmas and welcome any thoughts and suggestions on this subject.
I’ve been on the fence about charging for a long time, though.
The following issues are what I am concerned about.
- What if people don’t get the results they need?
- What if they don’t feel they’ve got their money’s worth?
- Is it ethical to ask for anything in exchange? (Especially if you prefer to make everything free.)
The last one is the biggest sticking point for me. Does asking for something in return hurt my credibility?
I’ve come to the conclusion that not doing this is actually more detrimental in that regard. If you provide a free service, then people will treat it as though it is either worthless or they will feel that they can’t take anything without giving something in return.
And the fact is, I’m just as guilty of not wanting to take anything without giving something in exchange. Generally, I tend to over-compensate and give more than I think it is worth.
If I’m ever going to really make a difference, I’m going to have to leave the job that I get paid to do (especially as I know I am being well underpaid for the skills I have) and focus on helping others.
There are many legitimate reasons to charge for my services.
I am a master with the Bach Flower Remedies. I have made significant discoveries about them, including how to break the seven remedy limit so you can take as many as you wish.
I can help a lot of people. I can cure depression, and I have done so many times for many people.
I have a wealth of knowledge and experience (though I have and will continue to share it freely.)
Interestingly enough, people think nothing of paying $150.00 to see a psychic who will generally give them generic information, and I actually have a real service to provide.
My reservations about charging often come down to my belief that they probably can’t afford to pay in the first place because many people I know seem to be unemployed or are stretched with their incomes. Some people are still in school.
So, of course, I’m going on the assumption that most people can’t afford to pay, but realistically, I don’t believe that’s true.
I think there should be some kind of sliding scale though.
For instance, when I helped out someone who was local, they created a website for me in exchange. I felt this was more than a fair bargain. (And over the years, I gained much socially, too.)
Another used to pay me in peanut brittle!
To my mind, bartering is a reasonable way to exchange services when someone is low on funds.
Another reasonable exchange is information and support.
Interestingly (and frustratingly) enough, people I’ve helped have promised to help me out with something, but they rarely come through for me.
Best not to say you’ll do something for someone unless you intend to actually do it. You do more harm to yourself than good.
A sliding scale works well, especially if someone is a student, pensioner or supporting others.
You can also give the option of donations, though I feel that causes more problems than it solves, especially if someone doesn’t know how much something is worth.
The point is that somehow, we are made to believe that it’s wrong to ask for anything in exchange for providing a service that makes a difference, yet it’s fine to be paid for doing something you don’t even like or enjoy!
We’ve got it turned around the wrong way.
If you are good at something, and you enjoy it, then there needs to be some kind of exchange.
Not doing so will just lead to frustration and psychic burnout, which is what sparked this entire monologue in the first place!
An ex said something to me that her father once told her and it has stuck with me ever since.
Give away puppies for free, and no one will want them.
Put them in a box saying: Puppies – five dollars each! and they’ll sell like hotcakes.
In the end you’ve got to value your own worth, or no one else will.
Next: Money – the love / hate relationship.
