Know Your Worth: How to Set Your Personal Pay Rate.

Raise your hand if you've ever been asked to work for "exposure." 

Look at all those hands.

How many times have you been approached by someone who asks you to bust a move in exchange for being "seen" by some great artists?

Too many to count, right?

Just the other day, I had someone contact me to provide volunteer dancers for a show where some "big name" artists would be performing.  

Imagine that. 

After all my years in the business, I'm still being contacted to work for exposure?!

Of course I declined.  I politely informed them that I and the dancers I work with are professionals, and we do not work for free.

Reading that quote request saddened me.

I was even more bummed at the idea that this person might actually find dancers who are willing to give away their passion for nothing at all.

It got me thinking about self-worth.

While sharing the stage with major artists can be enticing, I declined the event because I respect my craft, I know the quality of my work, and I value what I bring to the table.

I know that I have something special to offer that no one else can...we all do.

Simple as that.  

So, how much do you value yourself, my friend?

Hopefully, it's enough to decline "exposure only" projects.

I hope you know that all of your years of dedication and hard work are worth far more than that.

Check out my video on the importance of self-worth, and find how to calculate your personal pay rate.


Want more tips and ideas like this? Click the button below, and you’ll get a FREE copy of my Success Starter Kit, plus regular insight and inspiration sent directly to your inbox.

Shaté L. Hayes

Writer - Contributor for Dance Media Publications.

Careers & Curriculum - Helping career changers tell their story.

Panel Pro - Always available for group chats about building purpose-filled careers.

Creative - Forever a dancer first.

Growth Groupie - Ever evolving free spirit.

http://www.ShateHayes.com
Previous
Previous

Battling the 'Forget-Me-Nots'

Next
Next

'Dreamgirls' Choreography Feels Like a Dream Come True