How to Say No to Pro Bono and Low-Bono Work

"A few weeks ago, I got a call from someone asking if I'd lead a three-hour workshop on intergenerational relationships at work. They launched into all the details-the date, the audience, the session goals -and then came the line I was waiting for: "We don't have a big budget, but we can offer you $X as an honorarium." Translation: We want a five-course meal for the price of an appetizer. Their proposed rate was roughly 10% of my typical speaking fee. Here's how I responded: "I love that your organization wants to learn more about intergenerational relationships at work. My speaking fee for that workshop would be $Y. If you're able to find the budget for that, please let me know, and we can discuss further. Or we can discuss changing the scope of the work to better align with your budget." And that was the end of that conversation."

"In my career as a professional speaker and coach, I've lost count of how many times I've been asked to work for minimal or no compensation. In the last few months alone, I've turned down dozens of unpaid and underpaid gigs. And I'm not alone. Every speaker and coach I know deals with this daily. The problem isn't just how often these requests come in; it's the assumption behind them-that our time, expertise, and work aren't worth compensating. It's time to stop feeling guilty for saying no."

"The Pressure to Say Yes The pressure to say yes is real, especially if you're young or just starting out in your career. We're told to "get our name out there," to "say yes to every opportunity," to "build exposure." We don't want to seem ungrateful, rude, or difficult. We worry that saying no might close the door forever. But here's the truth: People-pleasing"

Money, not exposure, sustains a career. Many professionals receive requests to work for minimal or no pay, reflecting an assumption that expertise does not require compensation. Saying no to unpaid and underpaid work protects income and communicates professional worth. Declining low-value offers creates space for opportunities that align with financial needs and mission. Offering an alternate scope or stating a standard fee provides a respectful way to refuse without offending. Early-career professionals often feel pressure to accept unpaid work for visibility, but consistent boundary-setting builds a sustainable practice.

Read at Psychology Today