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Abstract

p>Being a public school teacher and a writer, I have heard many different iterations of the same message.Basically, everybody wants me to know how important my work is. I have been told that I’m basically a freaking hero for sharing my knowledge in such a selfless way.For the record: I do care deeply about my work. It excites me to communicate with people, whether it is in the classroom or through the written word.But I also need to make a living.Therefore, even though I wouldn’t engage in activities that don’t reflect my interests, I see nothing wrong with wanting to get a profit for the work I do. Still, money remains a shameful topic that must never be discussed for many.How can we get better at something we never talk about?<h1 id="e0c5">The Create for Free Myth</h1>If you spend some time in writing forums, you have probably encountered this advice: focus on the art, don’t worry too much about the dough.I agree.If you write while thinking about nothing but the cash, it will show in what you create. You’ll soon find yourself engaging in clickbait or padding your pieces in an attempt to increase your read time.No, money cannot be the main focus of your work. However, I sense this advice gets grossly misunderstood.You see, just because you shouldn’t think only about money doesn’t mean you should never think about money. After all, if you truly expect to turn this into a full-time career, you are going to need the cash, pal.Still, I keep seeing creators who seem to be embarrassed about asking for the money they deserve. They go to Substack but keep all of their posts for free because who would pay for that? They don’t even consider creating a Patreon

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or Ko-Fi account because that’s only for true artists. When they are invited to conferences, it doesn’t even cross their minds to ask for compensation, as small as this might be.Oh, and the audience — and the platforms — are well aware of this. They all expect us to always work for free. “Do it for the exposure,” they say.That’s fine up to a point but, if you find that most of what you create is invested in that future promised land, you need to reevaluate what you are doing.Worse of all, I feel as if most creators seriously doubt their work is worth a single penny. They feel ashamed to even think about it, and that’s just not right.<h1 id="d469">Yes, you are worth it.</h1>So, start slow if you must, but do it. Put some of your work behind a paywall, whether it is in places like Medium or Substack. Dare to start that YouTube channel and consistently create content. Go to Patreon, Ko-Fi, or other similar platforms. Ask for compensation if you are invited as a speaker; some people might not be able to pay you, but perhaps <a href="https://readmedium.com/exchanging-services-is-your-lifeline-as-a-writer-6660ac36f8dc">they can provide you with some services you require</a>.Get that ebook together and start promoting it. Create a website to sell commissions.You won’t get rich in a single day, that’s true. But you need to get the ball rolling. Educate people on the fact that your art is worth it and, therefore, they cannot expect you to always work for free.Money is not the key to a happy life, but it sure helps us keep our families safe and well-fed, as well as making it easier to work toward our personal growth goals.So, no, don’t think just about the money, but do not be ashamed for needing it and making your claim.</article></body>

I’m Tired of the Don’t-Think- About-Money Trope

Could we please cut it with the shaming?

A few years ago, my son had a cough that lingered for several months. It would attack when we least expected it: while at school, while eating, at night…

He wouldn’t sleep, and, by the way, I wouldn’t either.

Living in Mexico, we had access to the public healthcare system; however, we kept getting prescriptions for cough syrups that did nothing to help him. It was extremely frustrating, especially because, at times, the coughing fits became so intense I honestly thought my son was going to suffocate to death right in front of me.

Eventually, after I got a small bonus at work, I managed to take him to a specialist who properly diagnosed his condition and prescribed the appropriate treatment. In a few days, he was ok.

Guess what? Money made a difference.

Money is still a shameful topic for some.

“Do things out of love. Do not place too much emphasis on the financial reward. Just worry about connecting with others. The important thing is for other people to appreciate your work, even if it doesn’t bring lots of money to your wallet. You are making a difference in the world. It is wrong to think about money while you do this selfless work.”

Being a public school teacher and a writer, I have heard many different iterations of the same message.

Basically, everybody wants me to know how important my work is. I have been told that I’m basically a freaking hero for sharing my knowledge in such a selfless way.

For the record: I do care deeply about my work. It excites me to communicate with people, whether it is in the classroom or through the written word.

But I also need to make a living.

Therefore, even though I wouldn’t engage in activities that don’t reflect my interests, I see nothing wrong with wanting to get a profit for the work I do. Still, money remains a shameful topic that must never be discussed for many.

How can we get better at something we never talk about?

The Create for Free Myth

If you spend some time in writing forums, you have probably encountered this advice: focus on the art, don’t worry too much about the dough.

I agree.

If you write while thinking about nothing but the cash, it will show in what you create. You’ll soon find yourself engaging in clickbait or padding your pieces in an attempt to increase your read time.

No, money cannot be the main focus of your work. However, I sense this advice gets grossly misunderstood.

You see, just because you shouldn’t think only about money doesn’t mean you should never think about money. After all, if you truly expect to turn this into a full-time career, you are going to need the cash, pal.

Still, I keep seeing creators who seem to be embarrassed about asking for the money they deserve. They go to Substack but keep all of their posts for free because who would pay for that? They don’t even consider creating a Patreon or Ko-Fi account because that’s only for true artists. When they are invited to conferences, it doesn’t even cross their minds to ask for compensation, as small as this might be.

Oh, and the audience — and the platforms — are well aware of this. They all expect us to always work for free. “Do it for the exposure,” they say.

That’s fine up to a point but, if you find that most of what you create is invested in that future promised land, you need to reevaluate what you are doing.

Worse of all, I feel as if most creators seriously doubt their work is worth a single penny. They feel ashamed to even think about it, and that’s just not right.

Yes, you are worth it.

So, start slow if you must, but do it. Put some of your work behind a paywall, whether it is in places like Medium or Substack. Dare to start that YouTube channel and consistently create content. Go to Patreon, Ko-Fi, or other similar platforms. Ask for compensation if you are invited as a speaker; some people might not be able to pay you, but perhaps they can provide you with some services you require.

Get that ebook together and start promoting it. Create a website to sell commissions.

You won’t get rich in a single day, that’s true. But you need to get the ball rolling. Educate people on the fact that your art is worth it and, therefore, they cannot expect you to always work for free.

Money is not the key to a happy life, but it sure helps us keep our families safe and well-fed, as well as making it easier to work toward our personal growth goals.

So, no, don’t think just about the money, but do not be ashamed for needing it and making your claim.