Episode 98: “You Shouldn’t Charge for What You Do.” Um, WHAT?
I’ve had it. We have to talk about this, people. You need to understand why you’re scared to charge people for the work you do.
Even more importantly, you need to understand that this is not a belief you actually have, this is something that’s been designed, systematized, and drilled into you.
For most of the earth’s existence, women weren’t viewed as full people. Yes, you read that right. We were property. “Things” that “belonged” to men. First the fathers, then the husbands, sometimes the brothers — you know, so they could decide who we should marry. Or not marry.
And along with that belief came the unspoken rule that women never handle money. In any way.
You can’t hold it, use it, make it, spend it, or have it.
Someone else did that.
Just let that sink in for a minute. And while you think about that, let’s look at how recently women were allowed to vote: just last century!
And did you know a woman couldn’t get a credit card on her own (meaning without a man co-signing for her) until 1974?
That was the year before I was born!
This is not long-time-ago stuff. This is really recent, still stored in our DNA and the collective psyche of society.
Running in the background, all the time, is the unspoken insinuation that “Women shouldn’t make money.”
We should do what we do for free. We should take care of the littles, nurture, teach, guide, clean, decorate, entertain — all for free. Because that’s what was always expected of us.
If you think this doesn’t affect you at all now, that’s awesome. I love that you’re thinking that way and fighting for yourself. You’re right to do that.
But I do want us all to be aware that the belief is still there. Right under the surface.
So, when someone gasps at your prices, or you get nervous to raise your rates, or you feel like you should just do what you do “for free” because after all, you’re helping people … know that this underlying belief is at work.
We don’t have to stay here. This is why I’m talking about it so openly and honestly. We need to talk about this. It’s running the show for so many of the healers, health coaches, and talent-based business owners I work with.
You guys. Pay attention any time:
- Someone makes you feel “bad” for charging for your services
- Anyone tries to tell you how to spend your money
- Money is tied to something “moral” when it comes to your work — like you’re not “pious” enough
- Someone tries to control you, or your life choices, with money
- You question how much your work actually supports other people
- You feel like a “vow of poverty” is somehow righteous (no — your divine right is to use the money you earn to change what needs to be changed!)
Women are the backbones — and the shock absorbers — of society. And it’s time we stop shying away from the incredible, irreplaceable, and critical role we play.
You matter. Your work matters. And you deserve to make a damn good living helping people.
Go get ’em!
Other Game On Girlfriend podcast episodes you might want to check out:
Stop Studying, Stop Imagining, You’re Ready
What Over-Functioning Is … and How to Stop
You can check out our podcast interviews on YouTube, too!
