I finally stopped charging by the hour after seeing my project income jump from $2k to $5k per month in six months by switching to flat rates.

The change happened after a client in Austin pointed out that my hourly billing punished me for getting faster and better at my work, so I started quoting a fixed price based on the value of the finished piece instead.

3 comments

3 Comments

hugo_ellis1mo ago

Isn't it crazy how many jobs pay for time instead of results? Like a fast food worker gets the same hourly wage whether they're slow or a total pro. Your story shows how getting paid for the actual value you create is a total game changer, it finally makes getting better at your job worth the effort.

leo_campbell1mo ago

Wait, you think fast food pros get the same pay as slow workers?

margaret_nelson14d ago

Actually, don't most fast food places have pay grades based on position? A shift leader or manager definitely makes more than a new cashier. The hourly wage is set, but getting promoted for being faster and more reliable is how the pay changes.