Working for free? Quantify everything...

[SoundInMotionDJ]

Some sage advice about those times when you do decide to work for free....

If you're even considering working for free, you're probably in a creative profession — writing, filmmaking, fashion, live performance. It's rare that anyone asks a dental hygienist or a bartender to work for free.

Let's get more specific. I believe in contracts. I believe in quantifying everything. I believe that if someone wants you to work for free, you can take charge of the situation and turn it into cash (or something else of value).

http://www.refinery29.com/daily-worth/105#slide

[Bruce Weldy]

I did a benefit for free on Saturday.....outside...never got over 37 degrees...tried to get 'em to cancel the music part of things. They wouldn't.

So, me, my PA, and the musicians spent time with about 10 (at most) patrons, while the rest stayed in the warm tent with the beer. The headliner absolutely killed it....and nobody heard it. Sad.

Didn't even come to see if I needed anything - drinks, food, etc.

Won't be doing this freebie next year.

Nothing a contract would have helped, but it would have been much more palatable to have been getting paid for the PITA it turned out to be.

[Bruce Weldy]

Oh, and to continue my whining.......the various acts who played for 30-45 minutes each received a nice gift bag of goodies as thanks for volunteering their time.

I was there from 7am to 4pm.......I did get one free beer.

[David Raehn]

I do about 80% of my work for church youth events and it's pro-bono. As I build my business, that percentage should come down quite a bit but in the meantime I am trying to make sure that I at least get a donation receipt to lessen the damage come tax time. I know that this is the hard way to do it but I'm on the ground floor and taking the stairs.

[dswpro]

One Sunday per month I volunteer at a local church. They have a large sound system and need qualified operators. I don't generally work for free otherwise but I am training a local high school staff on the X32 next week. That's a freebie only b/c one of their teachers sings in a band that brings me a lot of work. So for me, it is sometimes a way to give back to a worthy cause or community I care about or to say thank you to those who already feed me.

[Bruce Weldy]

I've done a huge benefit the last two years pro bono. The folks there treat me really well. I'm in on the planning stages so I can make sure the setup is right. They make sure that I have the proper parking for my trailer, check on me all day and bring drinks and food.

It's a 12 hour day, but they make it feel worth it. This last one? Not so much.....

[guitarkeys.com]

It's important to do at least one free gig a year to remind yourself why you should never do free gigs!

[Bruce Weldy]

It's important to do at least one free gig a year to remind yourself why you should never do free gigs!

That should be a sticky......for those of us with short memories.

[byacey]

Oh, and to continue my whining.......the various acts who played for 30-45 minutes each received a nice gift bag of goodies as thanks for volunteering their time.

I was there from 7am to 4pm.......I did get one free beer.

37F is too cold for beer. You should have upgraded to rum.

[FrankORandle]

Even though it is a PITA, it is good karma to do gigs for Nationally and Locally recognized charity events and maybe a local high school's battle of the bands. Those are the ones that will appreciate your free work the most.

If you do a battle of the bands use a programmable mixer, makes things much easier.