FFS, don't offer to work for free. 

"Honeybunchesofgoats" (honeybunche0fgoats) 06/15/2017 at 10:00 • Filed to: None

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I mentioned that there was this issue with someone I’m trying to contract who is here on a visa. Well, turns out they can do occasional consulting work, but in telling me this, they were also like “but I’d also do this free for the experience.”

1. No.

2. NO

3. NO

4. NOOOOOOOO

5. Now I feel like I have to go to bat and actually come up with a reasonable amount of money to pay this person, instead of them just being “pay me x” and me responding “well, we can afford y”

Ash78, voting early and often > Honeybunchesofgoats 06/15/2017 at 10:06

5

Wow, that dude just Pawn Starred himself. I’ve got a buddy who’s an expert in screwing yourself, let me give him a call and see what he thinks.

WilliamsSW > Honeybunchesofgoats 06/15/2017 at 10:09

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Wow, how incredibly naïve. I think you’re gonna have to save this person from themselves...

Honeybunchesofgoats > WilliamsSW 06/15/2017 at 10:14

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I know, right? I’m by sure if they’re naive or actually a super genius, because I’m pretty sure I’m going to end up offering more money than I would have given them if they had asked for it.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Honeybunchesofgoats 06/15/2017 at 10:15

2

I don’t miss the days of people telling me “Get your foot in the door! Internships build relations and those are more valuable than meager pay!” FFS, you can get paid a decent wage while being an intern, let alonea professional consultant.

WilliamsSW > Honeybunchesofgoats 06/15/2017 at 10:16

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Nah, I think it’s the naïve thing - but at the same time, they seem pretty eager and motivated, so that’s a plus.

But dammit, don’t EVER work for free.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Honeybunchesofgoats 06/15/2017 at 10:19

2

I feel like 5 should be NOOOOOOOO  based on your progression

Honeybunchesofgoats > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 06/15/2017 at 10:23

1

In all fairness, my first real job was the direct result of a two month unpaid internship, so I definitely see the value in doing it if you can, even if I think that the practice is completely fucked.

Textured Soy Protein > Honeybunchesofgoats 06/15/2017 at 10:46

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Is this person by chance looking to use the OPT portion of an F-1 student visa? Because for folks in that situation, their primary motivation is to stay in the country.

Aremmes > Honeybunchesofgoats 06/15/2017 at 10:59

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This guy probably doesn’t know enough of the subject matter to even know how much his service would be worth. You’re better off staying away and contracting someone else.

Honeybunchesofgoats > Textured Soy Protein 06/15/2017 at 11:10

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Nope, it’s a J visa. I know their supervisor who recommended them for it. My understanding of J Visa regs is that I can only contract them for up to a month strictly as an independent consultant.

Honeybunchesofgoats > Aremmes 06/15/2017 at 11:10

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In this case, I’ve pretty much exhausted my contact book and this is the only person anyone knows with experience doing this

Aremmes > Honeybunchesofgoats 06/15/2017 at 11:41

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Sorry to hear that. I’ve seen what happens when smart but inexperienced people price themselves too low: typically they find themselves overwhelemed with the workload and the quality of work shows it. If the task weren’t critical, you could offer entry-level rates ($15-20/hr.) and expect to not rush things.

NJAnon > Honeybunchesofgoats 06/15/2017 at 22:14

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In that scenario, ok. But people do free work all the time and as a result job market is flooded with the term “intern”.