I was approached by a potential client. Now let me start by saying this is nothing against this person. I am sure they mean well. They wanted to know if I was available to write for them. I replied that I was and to let me know what kind of project they would like.

When they emailed me back I was floored. I write for what I think is a reasonable rate. I offer discounts for clients that use my services on a regular basis and have been known to offer a discount to those who need it. That being said the rate this client offered was phenomenally low. That is ok. I understand that everyone has a budget and there may have been things that I have no idea of why they wanted to offer such a low fee.

But …

What amazed me was the fact they said they had other ghost writer on the project at this price already. This amazes me.

I put a lot into my writing and I value my time. That people are willing to write for pennies saddens me. I am sure that these other writers put just as much into their writing as I do, but are not putting the value on their work and their time.

When writing online I have learned a lot. The first thing I learned is that if you don’t value what you do, others aren’t going to either. Be proud of what you do. Write with confidence and command a fair price. People may want to bargain with you for a price, but you can usually work out a deal. Maybe take a dollar less but have the client commit to a few more articles. There are ways to work with a client about price, but don’t accept less than what you are worth.

Another thing I have learned is there are a ton of people out there that will undervalue your work. I do a lot of writing for free. Well not really free. I write for directories and my own sites. This pays off by getting my name out there. So I am working for myself really, so I am not working for free. Work for yourself, but don’t work for peanuts!

Value your time and your talent! Your worth it! Don’t be afraid to say no. Don’t be afraid to stick to your guns and work with a client to work out a deal that is fair to both of you!

Stepping down off my soap box to start writing now. This really has me inspired to write a few articles this morning about this very topic! Stay tuned!!!!

As Moms we all know this phrase, don’t we? If I had it my way I would be sitting by the side of a pool with my laptop writing the next number one best seller. Unfortunately life steps in and along with life the bills, the kids schedules, the minor and major emergencies.

Sometimes we sacrifice our dreams for paying the bills. We sacrifice spa time for sitting in the emergencies room for a kid who just broke their fingers (that was my baby brother by the way). We do what needs to be done. I often feel that is the definition of being a mom.

We do things like this in our business as well.

Let’s be honest here. Those of you who have known me for a while will know this story, others may be surprised. But let me share my story of how, and how long, it was for me to start making a real start online working.

I have always wanted to make money from home. I have been online for … well let’s not discuss that at the moment. My passion is aromatherapy and soap making so I tried making a website and selling that. Didn’t do well at all. I sold some soap at different outlets, but I was spending more than I was making. I felt frustrated and defeated.

About three and a half years ago someone sent a link through a woman’s group I belong to. It was about a company that employed people to work from home answering phones. I was over committed at the time but filed it away. Right before Christmas I needed some extra income and remembered this link, and was on my way. Now it isn’t easy answering phones at home. Don’t let anyone tell you it is, but it gave me extra Christmas shopping money which was important.

I worked this job for about a year. Ups and downs. You only get paid for talk time. So if you don’t get any calls you don’t make any money. Some days were great others were …  But you do what you have to do right?

I started looking into other ventures. That is when I found Associated Content. I also started proofreading for a great company that is putting books online. In my opinion this was much better than phone work. Not my passion, or my focus, but I was getting closer. I was also paying bills and being productive, at home, that is what I wanted to do.

A little less than a year ago I got what I thought was a big break for me. I was contracted with Writing Research Group. I write a certain amount of articles a month and they pay me a set price per articles. This gave me the confidence to start taking on clients of my own as well.

I can now call myself a freelance writer. It was a long path. With WRG I can now write about my passion of natural health and aromatherapy. With my clients I write about a variety of topics, but I have great clients that have subject matters that I enjoy. I have also bought a new website and venture Natural From Home. While this may seem off my focus, it allows me to talk about my passion of holistic health and to write about it as well.

But you know what, if I had to go back to answering phones at home, I would. If I had to go back to writing articles for Associated Content I would do that too. We do what we need to do to get the job done. While our focus may look off at times, it really isn’t. My major focus is my kids. If I need to switch things up to get done what I need to get done, then so be it. I will get where I need to get.

My path is not the same as yours. My situation is unique. Some people consider me lucky to be able to work at home. Others look at me like I am crazy. Others see me as someone with out focus and someone who will never make it.

I think it is a matter of focus, but I also think it is a matter of priority. A lot of times these two coincide, sometimes they don’t. Moms just do what they have to do. I believe if you have faith and are willing to put in the work, it will all fall into place.

After reading Cara’s blog post Is Your Face Done? and hearing another WAHM ask if she could have a day off, I really started thinking.

WAHMs can always be at work. Many get up, get the kids dressed, feed and ready for school and sit down and start to work. They put in long hours. If they aren’t working they are working. You get this if you are a WAHM. So many things need to get done. The dishes, the laundry, helping little Jimmy with his science project are all on the list. A WAHMs job is never done.

But sometimes you have to tell yourself it’s ok to take some You-Time.  Like Cara says, put some makeup on. Do your hair. Do something for yourself that makes you feel good.  Do some great family activity.  I have to admit my computer just got turned on after a 24 hours of being turned off. I know in the middle of the week, ain’t life grand? Gathered up the family and went to the beach yesterday. I didn’t even turn it on when we came home last night. There was no work for any one in this house for 24 hours.

So if you find yourself asking to take a day off, say yes. Maybe you only need an hour or so. Go get a mani/pedi, go for a walk, do something specifically for you.

When you sit back down to your computer or your work area, you will find yourself a bit more renewed. Getting your mind off your job will help you refocus and energize. I mean after all you are a work at home mom so you can get the best out of life!