I'm a people-pleaser. For as long as I can remember, I've abhorred confrontation and always struggled to assert myself. Unfortunately, in the world of business, these foibles won't serve you well. So for the last 5 years, I've been trying to make amends.

In the early stages of my career, I'd rather undercharge for a project than ruffle a client's feathers. In some respects, when you're trying to get your foot in the door, it's good practice to prioritize experience and building relationships over financial remuneration.

However, there comes a point where you transition from junior to mid-level, and you need to take stock of your worth, learning how to properly position yourself in relation to the market and your desired leads. Though this takes practice and a great deal of trial error.

For example, despite the initial undervaluation of my worth, I ended up swinging too far in the other direction. Due to my failure to get a feel for my client's budget and expectations, I overcharged for projects and missed out on valuable work.

Knowing your worth can be an onerous task. In today's saturated market, website design can cost $200-$20,000, and journalists can get paid $1 per word while content writers are offered 1 cent per word. This is why you need to carefully assess all the overlapping factors:

1. Analyze the going rates for freelancers with similar skills, experience, and services in your industry.

2. Evaluate your expertise, education, certifications, and the years of experience you have in your field.

3. Define your USP: what sets you apart from other freelancers?

4. Set your rates: remember that the value of a project isn't defined by the hours you worked on it, but by the quality of the end product.

5. Consider personal and financial goals: how much do you need to earn to save for the future and invest in your professional development?

All things considered, if you have the financial cushion, it's better to miss out on poor-paying projects in the pursuit of employers that value you and what you can bring to their business. Remember to be clear, concise, and confident when explaining your worth to clients.

Also, ensure you regularly reassess. As you build experience and skills your pay should reflect them. For example, if you've been on a retainer with a client for over a year, it could be time to ask for a raise. Remember, the worst that can happen is they say no.

Remember that knowing your worth as a freelancer is an ongoing process. Continuously invest in your professional development, stay updated on market trends, and maintain a network of peers to ensure you remain competitive and fairly compensated.