I’ve had 3 “overqualified” dings for freelance work this past week and it’s a really kick in the gut. Nothing to do with rate. What do you do when you are very senior but desperately need work to feed the family and pay the mortgage? It seems like the only gigs of late are mid-level or lower. This recession is crushing seasoned good talent. Thoughts welcome.

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It’s the money and not being overqualified. Top management is keeping it to themselves rather than making sure that their employees and freelance helpers get a fair share of the pie. The way the rates are going down and what is being offered for even more workload is just not sustainable—no one can comfortably support their family with that. Plus, with net 60 or even net 90, it’s beyond abusive. And predatory if you ask me. Stay strong, don’t discount. Hang in there. The right people will value your skills, your experience and your contributions—-they’re out there. Those are the ones you want to be working with.

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That means you get paid in two months or three months

Change your resume. I only include the last two years on mine 😉

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Unless you lost some hair on top, dye the beard and shave the head then wear a beanie that doesn’t cover your ears.

funny

If they’re looking for a mid level I tell them my day rate but add that I’m willing to work with their budget since they’re looking for a level below me. Might not get the job but it also gives them the option to go with a more experienced person for their budget. Not something I’d do in a normal economy but this shit ain’t normal.

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Yep. Sounds familiar. Been there. In my experience “overqualified” is code for rate—-they can get same skills cheaper. And, yes, sometimes it is ageism. Those that hire are afraid that highly experienced freelancers won’t be flexible or lack motivation. However, that’s not always the case. Strange times we live in now. There is currently a real glut in freelance talent —-good talent can be had cheap. Hang in there.

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They found somebody cheaper and better.

helpful

“Overqualified” for a FREELANCE gig is ageism. Ageism is illegal.

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I get that. Then they need to literally say “your rate is too high.” Saying “overqualified” happens to make no sense and normalizes discrimination against experience, which is a proxy for age. Imagine turning down any other type of professional because they’re too experienced.

So if it’s about the rate, just say it’s the rate.

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I have a different POV. There is a lot of competition right now and it’s demoralizing to be in your sweatpants for too long. I think sometimes taking lower paying work offers you the chance to make connections that otherwise you would not make. You can say you’ve been very busy and this once can afford to agree to a lower rate. It depends where you need the boost - wallet or your mental wellness and self esteem. I’m realizing that they don’t always come wrapped up in one perfect opportunity.

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During the great recession, I tried what you suggested. For “exposure.” For “networking.” It doesn’t work. Accepting much lower pay hurts everyone. Are agencies charging clients that much less?

Might just be a more polite way of saying that they chose someone else.

It’s definitely not ageism. I’m over 50 and turning freelance away. It’s about your rate. Rather than ask for $1200/day, I quote $900. Sorry if you can’t live off $200k gross per year, you have bigger problems than your age.

Never quote them 900. Quote them 1200 and let them tell you 900.

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I’m 51 and have never heard this. I adjust my rates all the time between $800-1800/day depending on job and the negotiation. It’s rates, your book (or reel), relationships, and can you deliver...not age as a freelancer. If you want to work you gotta be flexible, esp. now. I made 200k last year...about 25% down YTD.

Gett out of freelance if you can. I'm finding it difficult because I didn't see the signs and now I'm at the mercy of shifting resource needs and unstable budgets. Get a staff gig and sidestep all this b.s.

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