| I get asked a lot of questions. Questions about leaving corporate life, how to become a speaker, social media how to's, how to cook a meal every day, how to deal with difficult people... it goes on and on. Sometimes I answer the questions, but sometimes I feel like folks want to buy me a cup of coffee, pick my brain and not pay me for the 20+ years of experience that I have. The problem is that I feel bad about not answering the questions (I'm a people pleaser, at heart). So, I'm launching a new, only via email (right now), Ask Jackie Anything opportunity. I'll answer questions as they come in my inbox and send out the answers to everyone because I believe that if one person has that questions - lots of people do. Welcome to #AskJackieAnything - a semi monthly newsletter. Do you have a question? Email me. Into this? Tweet it out!
Dear #AskJackieAnything,
I recently had the luck of getting a pretty sweet side hustle working for a client across the country a few hours a week. The work is simple and I can totally use the money. I started the project and all of a sudden the client was emailing, texting, and calling me nonstop. Like a crazy amount.
It was supposed to be a simple project, but it is already becoming way more work. In the latest exchange he totally made it known that I am a lowly contractor and I work for him when he wants me to. I need the cash, but I don't feel great about being put in my place. What would you do?
Signed, Unhappy Hustler
________________________________________________
Dear Hustler, Dude. Have you ever heard of red flags? You have them waving all over the place and you seem to only be focusing on your bank account and the bitty amount of cash you might get.
I totally was there when I started freelancing, before the invention of cell phones - yes, I am ancient and wise. I would just say yes to everything because I thought I needed the money more than I respected my time, boundaries and self worth. It led to some pretty awful working arrangements.
It was so bad at one point that my husband took one look at me and said any red flags and you either don't take the project or you let it go if you have already taken the project. End of story. No if's, and's or but's.
That was over 10 years ago and I have not taken a lot of projects and quit others. Not because I think I'm better than all those people; instead I know we aren't the right fit - and that's ok. They will find the right fit on their own. Trying to contort myself to their needs never makes anyone happy. (By the way this is the SAME advice that you can use in relationships, but you didn't ask me about that.)
So, turn that frown upside down and just let it go. Seriously. The right thing will happen and in the mean time you can craft something and sell it on Etsy for a few bucks. Same amount of time - possibly less suffering. xo - Jackie
Last week on the blog I talked about how to get back on the path when you get lost, working through a crisis, and living the vacation life 365! I also quietly launched a Content Every Day Free Facebook Group you can join. 
Do you have a question, it can be about anything, that you'd like an answer or opinion on? Email me and ask away! |
