Offer to pay me and I scream and run away....

[estepheia]

I just got hired by a Waldorf-school in our area. They want me to teach a one-off 4-hour poetry writing class. Whohooo. Extra money! Since the guy I talked to agreed so readily to the requested sum, I'm thinking I didn't ask for enough. I had planned on haggling, but when he called I was so excited, I kind of gushed out the first modest amount that sprang to my mind.
It's funny, whenever there is a danger of getting paid for something I enjoy, my brain suddenly freezes. As though money were something icky. I never have enough, so I don't know why getting paid has such an odd stink to it. I worked in a comic book shop for years for very modest hourly pay, happy to get paid for being among books and games. When I sell stuff second hand, I litereally give stuff away for peanuts. I. just. can't. ask. for. money. If a university wanted to hire me full time and asked me how much I want I'd probably quote the minimum wage at them. That's me. *sigh*
*bangs head on desk*
But, if the course is a success, there will be a second course, and in that case most of the prep work will be done already. Yay.

On Thursday I'm going to a local poetry slam. I have several unfinished poems in my notebook. Maybe I should consider working on them....

One more thing. I had two Friendship Ficathon dropouts. One has been taken care of, but I have one assignment without an author to write it. Any takers? Pretty please?

Comments

[herself_nyc]

Congrats on the teaching! If it goes well and they ask you to do it again, definitely increase your fee.

[estepheia.livejournal.com]

You mean, ask for more??? As in 'more money'???? No way! *hides*

Thank you. ;-)

[deaver.livejournal.com]

Congratulations on the poetry class. It will probably be great fun for the kids.

Isn't money an odd thing? It's still one of the great taboos in our world. And yet, look at how much people seem to obsess over it. So odd that. I have always been under the theory that if you love what you are doing, then the money doesn't really matter. But if you hate something, no amount of money will ever make it worth your efforts. Which is probably why I will never be able to afford to buy a house. *sigh*

[estepheia.livejournal.com]

Yeah, stupid money taboos. We'll never have our own house either. We are just not money savy. *shrug*

Good theory. Completely agree. However, no money is not enough, you know. I am so sick of worrying about money all the time....

[mommanerd.livejournal.com]

One more thing. I had two Friendship Ficathon dropouts. One has been taken care of, but I have one assignment without an author to write it. Any takers? Pretty please?

Oh man... it's tempting. Can you email me the friendship pairing?

thank you so much for your offer!

[estepheia.livejournal.com]

Can I please keep you in reserve in case I have another drop out? Pretty please? Miss Murchison was a teensie bit quicker - she just adopted the poor abandoned assignment, but I wouldn't be surprised if a few more dropouts contacted me. After all, I did have a huge number of participants.

your offer is greatly appreciated.

Re: thank you so much for your offer!

[mommanerd.livejournal.com]

That's fine. I was kind of gulping as I made the offer, seeing how stuck I am in lack-of-writing-limbo.

If something else comes up, I'll just take that to mean it was meant to be.

:o)

Re: thank you so much for your offer!

[estepheia.livejournal.com]

*smooch*
I know the lack-of-writing-limbo so well. I practically live there. Waah!

*commiserates with you*

[shapinglight]

Not offering to take part in the ficathon, I'm afraid, but congrats on the poetry writing class.

[estepheia.livejournal.com]

thank you, dear. *smooch*
I am so giddy!

[fishsanwitt]

Congratulations on your new class :)

[estepheia.livejournal.com]

Thank you.
*is excited*

[petzipellepingo.livejournal.com]

Congrats on the poetry class and congrats on more money in the family coffers (even if it could be more). New time around just tell them you need more $$, you'll be an experienced poetry teacher then.

Thanks.

[estepheia.livejournal.com]

LOL. I doubt I'll ask for more right away.
Maybe next year. I can blame the increased pay on inflation. LOL.

It's nice to get 100 bucks out of nowhere for only 4 hours of teaching and a bit of prep work.

I am not really good at poetry, but these kids will be relative beginners, and it's probably the first time they write in a language not their own...

[nwhepcat.livejournal.com]

::Thinks about offering self as a backup if more drop out::

Insane, but I might do it.

[estepheia.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your offer.
I had another dropout this morning. Mommanerd offered to write a story, so I sent her the assignment. If she accepts, you may be off the hook. It's a sweet assignment, Buffy & Clem...
Let me get back to you, okay? Thank you for your help!

[ladymela99.livejournal.com]

Ummm well I'm still writing my fic for the ficathon but if you need someone I can help you out I'm not really busy at the momment and I have some time with the semester ending. LOL

[estepheia.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your offer!
Let's wait if there are any more dropouts. Right now, I seem to be covered. :-)
I'll pounce on your offer should there be more dropouts...
Good luck with your story!