Should freelancers ever work for free?

An interesting question and one that is adequately answered by Michelle Goodman.

Its worth noting her opening gambit

No one ever filled a gas tank or bought groceries with exposure. The 20.9 million Americans working as consultants, freelancers, small-business owners and independent contractors are not keeping a roof overhead by getting paid in exposure

Yet freelancing entering the profession may well sacrifice money for that first big break.Michelle lays down some rules on when you should take the assignment

1.You have no clients or portfolio

2.Your dream client has shallow pockets

3.You’re donating time to a worthy cause.

And when not to?

1.Credit for your work (and nothing more).

2.Job bidding sites.

3.Being paid on spec. Completing a work in the hopes that you’ll be able to sell it has its place in some creative sectors

Ht-Journalism.Co.UK