It happened twice in my life: first, when I looked for summer internships, even if they were unpaid, and second, when I offered to freelance for free just for the experience.
Both times, I got the same advice. And what did they say?
“I deserve to be paid.”
Originally, I prioritized experience over pay, that I should get paid later, not now, because I’m still green. But both times, I was told to get paid from the start.
And why refuse getting paid? If anything, a refusal would offend them. They want to pay you because you offer value to them.
Accept it. Stand tall. Celebrate if you must. You just discovered a way to give to the world.
Get used to knowing your worth.
Here’s my inspiration for the day.