The value of creativity should not be underestimated

In a world where quality content drives business success, many employers still undervalue the work of freelance writers. This blog shares a candid dialogue between a writer and an employer that reveals the struggle for fair pay and respect. It’s a story of choosing self-worth over underpayment and a call to rethink how we value creativity.

Employer: (On a call) Hello, Mr. Rahul! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to talk about the new project. We need content for our website’s new product launch — some engaging articles, a press release, and social media posts. Can you handle it?

Rahul (Freelance Writer): Sure, I can do that. Could you please share the scope, deadline, and budget for the project?

Employer: Well, we need everything within a week. As for the budget, we were thinking… hmm, ?1,500 for the whole package. That’s fair, right?

Rahul: (Pauses) ?1,500 for all of it? That’s multiple pieces of content, research, and revisions. It’s a full week of work.

Employer: (Laughs) Come on, Rahul. It’s just writing. How hard can it be? You write quickly — it’s not like manual labour or coding.

Rahul: Writing isn’t about just typing words. It’s research, creativity, structuring, and understanding your audience. Quality content boosts your business and brand visibility. Don’t you think it deserves fair compensation?

Employer: Look, budgets are tight. Honestly, anyone can write these days — ChatGPT and AI tools do it for free. I’m offering you exposure and more projects in the future. Isn’t that worth it?

Rahul: (Frustrated but calm) Exposure doesn’t pay bills, and undervaluing creative work hurts the entire industry. If anyone can do it, why are you coming to me? Because you know that quality, human connection, and strategy make a difference.

Employer: Okay, I see your point, but I still can’t stretch the budget too much. Maybe ?2,000?

Rahul: I appreciate the offer, but this rate isn’t sustainable. I’ve consistently delivered for you, yet every project feels like a negotiation against my value.

Employer: Rahul, don’t be so emotional. It’s business.

Rahul: Exactly, it is business. And in business, fair work deserves fair pay. I respect myself and my work too much to keep accepting less than I’m worth. I’m sorry, but I’ll have to pass on this project and any future ones unless there’s a shift in how my skills are valued.

Employer: Wait, are you quitting over this?

Rahul: I’m choosing to invest my time and energy where my efforts are respected. Thank you for the past opportunities. I wish you the best with your project.

Employer: Well… that’s disappointing.

Rahul: (Politely) It’s simply the reality of valuing professional expertise. Goodbye.

We learn that fair compensation is vital for creative professionals, and underpayment undermines both individual value and industry standards. Respect for expertise and maintaining clear professional boundaries are essential for upholding integrity. Writing, like any other skill, requires significant effort, creativity, and strategy and should be appropriately remunerated.