Personally, I spent many years volunteering in my community and internationally as well as taking an internship for a year to help gain skills, confidence and an entry point into a great career. I don’t regret any of it! As I continue to build my knowledge and grow as a person I still do occasional work pro bono for the shared learning experience. Moreover, there are worthy organizations that simply don’t have budgets and thus deserve a reduced rate.
However there are also limits! Jessica Hische lays it out beautifully in this info graphic on if you should work for free. I love the way it is presented and it made me laugh a lot. Yes, we have all been in these situations. Lessons learned? Never charge your mother, explore your creativity and beyond that you are selling yourself short if you work for free.
