Work for Free: Gen-Y !!

I bet this title reminded us on how we struggled when we started our own business in the past few years. We all have been through this question whether we should work for free or not, would it help our business?!!

This question bothered me a lot when I started my studio as I have a huge family and a lot of friends so how do I ask them for money when they hire me to design some things. What will I tell my family/friend who ask me to work for free? The answer is very simple. Just take a deep breath, with a smile on your face you simply say,”NO”. I know many would ask you on why you did that but the answer is simple that you cannot volunteer for everything as that will decrease your market value and you do not gain anything from it. Well, its good to volunteer sometimes but I have moved on. I would not like to work for free as I have the educational qualifications and expertise so then why wouldn’t I charge for my services. Its as simple as you go to a doctor and you pay him for his services. I do not understand why do people think that designers are less than any other working professional as its not true. Designers help other professions to create their brand identity and to promote their business. I am against working for free as when you work, you expect a paycheck in return which is giving a form of respect to the designer.

Well, on the other hand if my mom dad or sister ask me to make them a business card, flyer or anything then I would not charge them as they have given me a lot in my life and thus, its time I give them something.

So no matter how bad the economy is no one should take any services from you for free as it is very unethical and illegal. I feel that people who work for free demoralize themselves as its not the employers/clients who cannot pay but they should blame themselves. So Gen-Y should not work for free.