The coronavirus pandemic has profoundly altered the American workforce. The trend has shifted recently from the Great Resignation to the Great Renegotiation. Workers are gaining more influence, yet this shift is not universal. If you are new, work in creative fields, or freelance, you might feel a lack of leverage, especially in environments where ‘exposure’ is often suggested as compensation.
Juleyka Lantigua-Williams, an experienced media professional and CEO of LWC Studios, discusses the limitations of exposure as a form of compensation. ‘Exposure doesn’t pay the bills,’ she argues. Additionally, a term called the ‘brown discount,’ coined by actor America Ferrera, highlights issues of systemic bias where individuals, often people of color, are sometimes offered less pay under the guise of gaining valuable experience.
Both these practices undervalue workers, placing disproportionate pressure on them to be grateful for opportunities rather than ensuring fair compensation. Whether you’re an industry novice or a seasoned professional, asserting your value amidst profit-driven workplace cultures can be challenging.
Advocating for Fair Compensation
Begin by expecting payment for your contributions. Juleyka Lantigua-Williams emphasizes the importance of clear communication in workplace discussions. As a seasoned public speaker, she often encounters requests for her services. Here’s how she approaches these interactions:
“What do you usually pay people for this?”
“My usual rate for this is [insert fee].”
“When I did something similar at [insert event], I was paid [insert fee].”
She suggests maintaining a list of pricing options that reflect the varying demands of tasks within your industry. Consider different rates for hourly, daily, or project-based work. Prepared pricing not only streamlines the hiring process but also solidifies your professional standing.
Creative Negotiations
Sometimes, bartering time or labor for non-monetary compensation might be worthwhile. Lantigua-Williams advises caution and careful evaluation before accepting such deals. Ask yourself how this exchange could lead to tangible benefits, rather than hoping for future potential alone. Evaluate opportunities like free memberships or strategic networking chances.
Assessing Offers and Opportunities
Determining whether an offer is genuinely advantageous requires critical assessment. Consider the workload, compensation, and impact on current responsibilities. Declining unsuitable opportunities politely leaves room for future engagement. Here are courteous rejection phrases you might use:
“Thanks for letting me know. I’ll pass this time. Have a great event.”
“Thank you for thinking of me! If a budget arises, consider me next time.”
“Appreciate the offer, but this requires more time than I can spare without compensation.”
Building a Supportive Network
Navigating work challenges, especially with additional marginalization, can be emotionally demanding. Establishing a network of supportive peers and mentors is invaluable. Lantigua-Williams shares how her support system uplifts her through both struggles and victories.
Identify and engage in professional communities, mentorship programs, or resource groups to foster these connections. Such networks reinforce your long-term career growth and provide motivation during setbacks.
Remember, you possess the capability to pursue your goals without waiting for additional credentials or years of experience. Immediate action and self-belief are key. This approach significantly contributed to Lantigua-Williams’s success.
The podcast was produced by Clare Marie Schneider with engineering support from Daniel Shukhin. We welcome your thoughts. Share any practical life hacks by voicemail at 202-216-9823 or at [email protected]. Your input might feature in future episodes. For more insights, subscribe to our newsletter.