The pain of “being paid”

News 2025년 7월 15일

Being a freelancer means embarking on a journey not only to earn money but also to learn how to preserve your own value. Every time I receive the question “Can you give me a discount?”, a feeling of disappointment creeps in as if my efforts, experience, and sleepless nights perfecting my skills… suddenly become negotiable like items in the market.

Behind the number is a journey

Not everyone understands that behind a number is the time spent researching, hundreds of hours working on a project, and revisions and revisions until the customer is completely satisfied. But just a light bargain is enough to make my heart heavy.

Self-reflection and silent hurt

Sometimes I feel angry, sometimes I feel sad, and sometimes I wonder: “Am I asking for too much?” But then I remember, it’s not the price, but the lack of understanding that makes people in the profession feel hurt.

What is being sold is not just a product

Freelancers are not selling a product, they are selling brains, creativity, flexibility, skills and a professional attitude. And all of that deserves to be paid fairly, not just in money but in respect.

Keeping values, keeping trust

Anyone who works as a freelancer will at least once experience the feeling of being charged. The important thing is to learn how not to let such times make you lose faith in the value you bring. The market is large and there are still people who understand, appreciate and are willing to pay fairly for real quality.

Polite refusal to declare value

The pain of “being charged” will no longer be a deep cut if every freelancer dares to stand firm, steadfast in their value, even if it is just a gentle answer:
“I won’t reduce it, but I guarantee you will receive more than what you expect.”