I’ll admit, I’m overly assertive on this topic, but few things depress/aggravate me more than people who don’t know their worth in the settings they find themselves in. But on the flip side, let it be said that I’m inclined to think there are an alarming number of people in my generation who have been so coddled their lives that they think they should get an ice cream cone and a raise for every run-of-the-mill task they perform. They’re absolutely unmotivated and mediocre, but feel they should be rewarded just the same. Grumble, grumble, grumble…That’s a subject I’m also steamed about, but that’s one that you’ll only get out of me after about three beers at a pub. Fist shaking is included for free.
Before I dive in, let’s assume that when I say “artist” in this post, the term isn’t limited to fine artists. It will refer to anyone gifted and committed in their field of choice, as I really think a talented soul can make nearly anything into an art.
Humans, especially the artists, tend to struggle when defining their worth. It’s not easy, and if you sway towards modesty and aren’t quite at the age where people call you Ms. instead of Miss, it can be intimidating to admit to others that you’re worth quite a lot.
However, if you work all night after your day job making art that makes you feel alive, or start up after-school programs for free in your spare time because it’s something you believe in, don’t you think that the price of you artwork and the number on your paycheck should reflect that in some way? The things you do on your own time, what you invest in because of passion is what sets you apart from the masses and defines you as exceptional. But it’s easy to forget that and pass your work off as a “hobby” for conversation’s sake. Don’t internalize this attitude!
I’ve fallen into that trap before, and it’d be nice to know that I could help someone else avoid it early on. I used to price my work shockingly low, because well, I did the math to see what I should really charge for them and I couldn’t believe that anyone would buy any of it at those prices. Plus, I told myself, I do it for fun anyways so it’s fine if I don’t make much off my work. In other words, despite having gone to school for 5 years for fine art and art history, I was treating my work as a hobby.
In retrospect, that’s such a huge mistake. And the same mistake can be made in the 9-5 working world. It’s taken me nearly 10 years as a worker to realize that if I can’t find a job that lets me do what I love and be exceptional, I can make one for myself. Isn’t that what the truly remarkable people have done in the past? If you feel like the square peg in the square-peg-round-hole type of scenario, make yourself a spot where you will fit in perfectly. Which is so easy to type out right now, but you’re smart. You can only imagine what kind of work will go into making that kind of situation for yourself. It’s a lot of work. I have to remind myself that once I get to where I want to be, I’ll look back on all the hard work and won’t regret any of it. Plus, it will look all fluffy and nice in retrospect since hindsight tends to be rose-colored after a success. 
Gosh this is getting to be a lengthy post, but I guess what I’m really trying to say is don’t take the low offer. Even if you have to take a menial job to pay the bills while you build up your work on the side, never forget that the day job is only a day job, and that it’s supposed to temporary. Shockingly low pay is alright if it’s getting you to where you want to be, but don’t get stuck there because of a kushy benefits plan or because you’ve become used to an apartment with a view and a new car. You’re unique, and if you settle for something that’s comfortable, you’ll be selling yourself short. Your 80-year old self told me to tell you not to settle for the comfortable job. And to price your work at its real value. And to take your vitamins. And they also want you to know that you look fabulous. You do.
~ Chelsea