With a struggling economy and scarce job availability, I consider it fortunate that I’ve been able to flip my gift of writing into paying columns and critiques.
Not only do the positions allow me to work from home, my entertainment writing offers rewards that are just as valuable as the paychecks, such as promotional CDs, books, concert tickets and sometimes even a few minutes chatting with or meeting the actual performers.
Like any other hustle, there are drawbacks (tight deadlines, late or missing product, scheduling snafus, etc.), but one that plagues me the most often is the something for nothing mentality, also known as, “Yo, can I get the hook-up?”
If I had a dollar for every time I heard a variation of the following — “Since you’re my sister/friend/neighbor, why don’t you give me a CD/DVD/concert ticket/backstage pass/write-up for free?” — I could retire early.
Those who work in service-related industries have to deal with this occupational hazard regularly, fending off people who want the benefit of proven expertise while only paying a fraction of the fee (if they offer anything at all).
While it can be expected that your plumber uncle, wood-finishing cousin or beautician sister-in-law will give pointers or assist when time permits, problems arise when folks feel entitled to the largesse and start treating that skill set like a hobby to be parceled out on demand rather than a service that should be compensated for.
These same friends and relatives also buy $7 lattes every morning, treat themselves to designer purses or cop the latest iPhone upgrade without a second thought, but balk at paying for your particular specialty because, “I thought we were cool!”
Huh?
In my case, I realize that being an entertainment critic looks glamorous and exciting: The position has provided me access to incredible live performances and dozens of sought-after celebrities.
But for each contact with an icon and every concert ticket, there are weeks and months of scheduling, breakneck deadlines to meet and a level of quality that must be maintained in my reviews (which can take hours to create and research).
So, when people want to share in the hard-won perks or come along for the backstage interview simply because I know them, it works my last nerve. If they wouldn’t appreciate being asked to work for free, why would I be any different?
Unless you’re a trust-fund baby, lottery winner or one of the Kardashians, everyone has to work for a living. Quality has a price, and no matter what type of job one has, that occupation has value and shouldn’t be exploited or diminished no matter the relationship.
If you wouldn’t approach your contractor for a discounted remodel or expect a free car just because your father-in-law runs a dealership, then cheapening others by always being about the “hook-up” shouldn’t cross your mind — unless you’re willing to trade the entire worth of your relationship to save a couple of bucks.
