Why I think freelancers should take
inspiration from Pretty Woman
when setting their rates.
Vivian spoke about her rates
with confidence. As freelance
creatives, we need to do the same.
for freelancers
Written by Kirsty Ryan, June 7, 2024
Pretty Woman was one of my mum’s favourite movies when I was a kid. I remember telling her that when I grew up, I wanted to be whatever Julia Roberts’ character (Vivian) was, because she was making $100 an hour.
Mum wasn’t totally on board with that idea, and I didn’t understand why.
Vivian got to dress up, have bubble baths, listen to music, and pet horses. All while getting paid well? Sign. Me. Up.
Vivian also knew what she was worth and spoke her rates out loud with confidence (even if she was nervous inside). And we all need to do more of that.
Let’s talk about rates, baybee. Let’s talk about yours and mine.
If you ask any freelancer what their least favourite part of freelancing is, talking about money/their rates is going to be in their top 3. I can almost guarantee it.
To get more comfortable with our rates, though, we have to talk about them with each other.
This is true for all freelancers, but I believe it's particularly true for women. Many of us have been socialized to not talk about money, and that to talk about money or want more of it was greedy. And that’s just not true.
It’s only by talking about our rates with each other, and not being afraid to talk about money, that we can finally get more confident about the value we bring and the rates we should be charging. A rising tide lifts all boats, and we should all want to raise the confidence and value of our peers.
Turns out I am more like Vivian than I had realized. My inner child must be so happy!
I now charge more than what Vivian did, dress up in my own style, AND listen to music any chance I get. My bath isn’t ideal for bubble baths and I pet more dogs than I do horses, but we’re on our way!
Dreams really do come true ✨