I was hoping someone would elaborate on this aspect. This is a good point, it undercuts well-meaning freelancers.
Does it matter, then, that if I do not do this project, they won't be pursuing it with another provider? This isn't the company commissioning a product, their employers didn't set them to this, they just sat down and thought "Hey, Ben knows coding". Because it's not really a market transaction, do you feel it still is harmful to the market as a whole?
you are telling the world that your work has no value other than your own personnal satisfaction
While I understand this is a bad move for someone looking for a job, I don't currently have any proof to point to that it does.
When it's gone, that's it until you ran out of it.
Does it matter, then, that if I do not do this project, they won't be pursuing it with another provider? This isn't the company commissioning a product, their employers didn't set them to this, they just sat down and thought "Hey, Ben knows coding".
This might sound selfish at first, but this shouldn't matter to you. You are renting your time to build a system so they can save time and money. Right now, you are the best offer they have: 0$. This is sad, but in business people aren't always honest. Of course if you do it for free, they won't complaint that you are not getting paid. They will cling to that offer unless you decline or they don't agree with what you ask. If it not good with you, they won't ask permission to hire someone else. That's business.
While I understand this is a bad move for someone looking for a job, I don't currently have any proof to point to that it does.
This isn't about finding a job, it's putting a price on your time. It's the most scarce resource you have, use it wisely and don't give it away for nothing. Spending time has a direct cost to you: health, relations and wealth.
I also, though, spend time coding for recreation. I'd be chalking this up under that category. The fact that these people will benefit is secondary to me, if I didn't want to build it it'd be an easy no.
They aren't in a position to offer me any money, it's me for free or nobody, and I would feel good about alleviating their stress. Value created is incidental.
I don't necessarily disagree, just trying to explore it.
I thought it was a school board owned school. Still, non-profits can still pay to get something, but I understand more your motives to do it free. In the end, it's you that makes the call. Do it if it lines up with what you believe is the right thing and don't overstrain yourself.
I think the most important fact is to be privately owned or not enjoyable for the kids and create an excellent educational base. One of the best ages to live as a human being on this planet in the early years. For me, providing my three-year-old kid with memorable experiences until he reaches puberty is of paramount importance. There are so many activities like swimming or playing sports together on the weekends that 親子活動 organizes. It would be a shame to miss the chance of spending more time with my little boy after a whole week of hard work.
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I was hoping someone would elaborate on this aspect. This is a good point, it undercuts well-meaning freelancers.
Does it matter, then, that if I do not do this project, they won't be pursuing it with another provider? This isn't the company commissioning a product, their employers didn't set them to this, they just sat down and thought "Hey, Ben knows coding". Because it's not really a market transaction, do you feel it still is harmful to the market as a whole?
While I understand this is a bad move for someone looking for a job, I don't currently have any proof to point to that it does.
This hit home, and is good food for thought.
This might sound selfish at first, but this shouldn't matter to you. You are renting your time to build a system so they can save time and money. Right now, you are the best offer they have: 0$. This is sad, but in business people aren't always honest. Of course if you do it for free, they won't complaint that you are not getting paid. They will cling to that offer unless you decline or they don't agree with what you ask. If it not good with you, they won't ask permission to hire someone else. That's business.
This isn't about finding a job, it's putting a price on your time. It's the most scarce resource you have, use it wisely and don't give it away for nothing. Spending time has a direct cost to you: health, relations and wealth.
I also, though, spend time coding for recreation. I'd be chalking this up under that category. The fact that these people will benefit is secondary to me, if I didn't want to build it it'd be an easy no.
They aren't in a position to offer me any money, it's me for free or nobody, and I would feel good about alleviating their stress. Value created is incidental.
I don't necessarily disagree, just trying to explore it.
You talked about classrooms and staff, so I guess we are talking about a school. Is it privately owned ? Or part of a school board ?
It's a preschool operated as part of a larger non-profit. No pockets will be lined.
I thought it was a school board owned school. Still, non-profits can still pay to get something, but I understand more your motives to do it free. In the end, it's you that makes the call. Do it if it lines up with what you believe is the right thing and don't overstrain yourself.
I really appreciate your perspective!
I think the most important fact is to be privately owned or not enjoyable for the kids and create an excellent educational base. One of the best ages to live as a human being on this planet in the early years. For me, providing my three-year-old kid with memorable experiences until he reaches puberty is of paramount importance. There are so many activities like swimming or playing sports together on the weekends that 親子活動 organizes. It would be a shame to miss the chance of spending more time with my little boy after a whole week of hard work.