Making Them Pay

Posted by KC Morgan Apr 17, 2008

Shouldn’t you be compensated for being self employed? Being self employed often means doing work for free, on the promise or just the hope it might lead to a more substantially-paying gig. And sometimes, self employment means that employers suddenly vanish, refuse to hold up their end of the bargain or just completely ignore your rights. That’s when it’s time to start making them pay.

Be Compensated!

There are times when work is offered a sample, materials given under the stipulation the professional won’t be paid for providing them. But once you engage in a contract with any client or employer, be that contract written in legally-binding language or simply implied through an agreement of terms, both parties are required to hold up each end of the deal. As the self employed professional, you provide the agreed-upon materials. As the one who requested such work, they provide the agreed-upon payment. After all, you did do the work - shouldn’t you be compensated for it?

Making Them Pay

It can be very frustrating to be forced to ask for compensation that you’re rightfully due. Sometimes, employers may realistically make an error or forget what’s owed. Once the payment deadline passes, write a simple and professional e-mail making sure the assignment was received, being sure to state you’re asking because the payment has yet to arrive. This should open a dialogue about compensation. When employers seem to refuse to pay, offering excuses or reasons to put it off, try reminding them they have a contractual obligation. Sometimes, employers may refuse to acknowledge you, or refuse to pay. There are a few legal recourses for self employed professionals who are wronged in this way, but this process can be costly and time-consuming. Sometimes, you may be forced to simply take a loss.