Positions of privilege and freelance writing
Did you know that female freelancers make only 84% of what male freelancers do? Ouch.
In this episode, we discuss how positions of privilege affect freelance writing businesses, as well as what we can all do to create a more equitable environment.
Big issues
Race. Class. Gender. Privilege. How does it affect us as freelance writers?
Look: we’re both white women who came from families that prioritized our education. We both come from positions of privilege. So we want to acknowledge that before we dive in. We’re not here to be prescriptive, but we are here to start a conversation.
Let’s start from the perspective we can relate with: Being a female freelancer.
When we talk pricing or coaching with fellow freelance writers, we’re always shocked to learn women charge significantly less. The wage gap is real.
Women tend to be accommodating. We throw in extras, we don’t charge for our time, we work for free. We can feel uncomfortable about pushing back against tension with a client.
Women earn 84% of what men make, according to a 2020 Payoneer report. But wait, that’s actually the good news: The global percentage is a measly 64%.
“It’s on the people who have privilege to make changes.”
We saw a tweet saying “I just opened up a position for a freelancer and, wow, the men quoted so much more than the women. Women, you should charge more!” That’s not exactly the right attitude to take, as it makes it the woman’s problem. Not use your power and privilege to pick women because they might be cheaper.
So, how can we be more inclusive?
“Hire men, women, people of color, and people from countries across the globe. You can standardize rates when you’re taking on freelancers.”
Being more inclusive
Promote people outside your bubble. If something isn’t a fit for you and you need to refer it, look to people who are more diverse and maybe don’t have those opportunities. Give them the boost they might just need.
You have to make a deliberate effort to be more inclusive in your business. That means expanding your network, digging harder to find examples of businesses not owned by people who look and talk like you.
DEI projects (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) are being promoted a lot these days. But sometimes people of color feel like opportunities of these sorts can be a little condescending. Fellow freelancers have told us they want to be referred because they’re the best for the job, not as a pity project. So there’s a fine line to balance between lifting people up and patronizing them.
“I’ve noticed women are much more open about rates than men are. There’s a gray area when men talk. Sure, it’s everybody's own call, but there’s a greater sense of community with female freelancers.”
If you’re a writer, you have to be mindful of what words you use. A lot of pop culture references can be problematic. Using these kinds of things is an example of coded and culturally specific speech. Plus a lot of them are just ageist. We’d suggest keeping it out of your copy and website; you want to appeal to more people, don’t you? Not less.
The rising tide raises all ships
None of this stuff is easy.
We had a listener from the Philippines who told us that clients wanted to pay her less, on account of where she was from. Look, we’re not sure if we have the authority, understanding, or perspective to answer. But with that in mind:
Why’s the location relevant? How do they even know the location?
Your website and samples need to show that she can do the work. Give people a reason to hire you and command high rates.
Reach out to successful freelancers around the globe and ask them how they combat this stigma. That’ll probably get you a more accurate answer.
There’s plenty of diverse freelancers from other countries with successful businesses around. You can fully embrace your culture, you, and have it not be a detriment. The work should speak for itself. That’s the focus. That’s the value you’re providing.
We’re learning, too. We just wanted to have this conversation to acknowledge the elephant in the room. We hope we’ve done it justice. And we hope everyone uses their power and privilege to help someone else that might have less of it.