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I was asked an unusual question during a new client interview this past week. And one I hadn’t really put a lot of thought into…

“I’ve found that inexperienced VAs run between $15-20 per hour, most with a decent amount of experience are right around $30 per hour, but you are $40 per hour. How do you justify your rate?”

He asked it in a very conversational tone and while I am typically uncomfortable talking money, for some reason, I didn’t shy away from this. This is a big change for me. In the not so distant past, when someone would ask about my rate, I would immediately begin to sweat, stutter and offer a discount. But no more.

I have finally learned my worth and added tax…(Isn’t that the saying?)

Text on black with gold crown: Know your worth then add tax

Have you ever had to justify your wages? Your rate?

How I Answered

Thankfully, I was prepared and I was confident and I immediately dove into what would, in any other situation, feel like a prideful brag.

I have been working as a freelancer for 14+ years and have dozens of positive client reviews available.
I specialize in all things technology including web design, online marketing and systems integration and training.
As a single mom of 5, I found a hourly rate that I am comfortable will support us in both good and bad times and represents the value I bring to the table.
Finally, between my education and experience, my turnaround time is at least 1/2 of what a lesser experience VA can deliver. And, not to brag, but I don’t miss deadlines and I get it right the first time.

Our call ended shortly thereafter. And I was confident in everything I had said, including being clear on the boundaries I have begun to set as far as response hours, availability for certain tasks (ie calls) and how important having a strong work/life balance is to me.

I Got the Job

Today I got a message that I was hired…it’s a part time, long term gig. But I’m super excited about the possibilities and it comes right on the tail of closing out two other long term projects (4 month and 1 1/2 year long projects). So the timing is perfect…I started this week.

Here are his notes on why he chose to hire me…

– I really love your heart for others.
– I’m really impressed by your technical experience in software and project management tools.
– I really appreciate your professionalism. Thanks for having an LLC and signing NDAs with clients.

I am so blessed to love what I do, get to do it on my own terms and make a good living doing it.

Hope

Hope is a resourceful, solutions-driven online business manager with over two decades of experience helping clients streamline operations, manage projects, and grow their businesses through digital marketing and technology.

But life has a way of rewriting your plans.

A year ago, Hope made the decision to move in with her aging parents full time – a season she wouldn’t trade, even as it came with its own financial and emotional weight. Earlier this year, she lost her mother, and is now walking the tender, disorienting path of grief while learning what “forward” looks like from here.

Hope came to the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015 as a single mom raising five foster and adoptive children. She’s written through job changes, financial setbacks, and the bittersweet transition to an empty nest. Her kids are finding their footing in the world now – and so is she.

Rooted in faith and fueled by the same perseverance she’s brought to every hard season, Hope is ready to face her finances with fresh eyes and an honest pen. She believes that clarity, courage, and community can change the trajectory of anyone’s story including her own.

She lives in Austin, TX with her dad, loves adventures with her dog Addie, and is figuring out, one step at a time, what this next chapter is meant to be.

Growing Up means Paying Bills

by Hope

Princes is 16 and a senior in high school. She works a part time job. And she is not participating in any sports this year. (At least, at this point.)

So just like the twins before her, she will begin taking on some financial responsibilities.

Time to Pay Some Bills

She will begin paying her phone bill at $45 per month. She has the opportunity to reduce that to $35 if she wants to get rid of the hot spot service which is an add on she has.

Princess will also begin paying 1/2 of her monthly insurance premiums at $125 per month.

Teen girl with curly hair wearing a backpack in front of a closet door

This responsibility would have begun earlier this summer; however, we made a deal that I would pay for her car insurance if she would attend summer school and take two college classes.

And I would probably not be implementing this responsibility if she was continuing to participate in school sports. The time commitment and time management responsibility she takes on when managing school, a part time job along with sports would be equal in my mind to stepping into some minor financial responsibilities.

But…since she has chosen to give up sports for the time being, it is time.

Different Treatment but Fair and Always Loved

I am often accused of unequal treatment of my children on this blog. And that hurts. But I can tell you that I have set down and done some soul searching and discussed this with the twins. And I can assure you that any “inequality” is just difference in treatment, not anything else.

Each child has unique gifts and challenges and I adjust my parenting appropriately. So are they treated differently, absolutely, no doubt! Are they treat unfairly or dis-proportionally, no. But their disciplines have been different, their responsibilities have been different and their opportunities have been different. But always fair in the long run. And not one of them doubts the love I have for them.