Stop Letting People Guilt You Into Undervaluing Your Work

Some people will try to make you feel stupid for having a price. They will guilt-trip you, twist conversations around family, friendships, or even dating, just to make you feel like you have no right to charge for your services. And sometimes, because of that pressure, you start questioning yourself. You hesitate. You consider lowering your price or even offering it for free.

Let me tell you something clearly: anyone who tries to make you feel like you do not deserve to be paid for your services should be cut off.

Whether they are a friend, family member, or a potential customer, if they do not value your time, your skills, or your effort, they are not your people. It is disrespectful to expect free work when they know you charge others for the same thing. And the audacity to ask you for a discount or a favour, while not even appreciating the value you bring? That is not someone you want to work with.

If you are a business owner, especially a solo entrepreneur just starting out, please hear this: do not let anyone make you feel bad for putting a price on your value. You do not have to be prideful or arrogant. Just be firm. The right customers will come. And they might not even be people close to you. In fact, most times, strangers will value you more than friends or family ever will.

The best clients will not argue with your price. The worst ones will haggle, guilt-trip, and drain you emotionally, only to eventually ghost or delay payments. You will always regret chasing those kinds of clients. They are not worth your peace.

Let me give you an example. In my mentorship program, I get people reaching out for help with MSK interview prep, NHS applications. I tell them the price. And some will start negotiating. Those are the ones I quietly walk away from. Not because I do not want to help, but because I have learned they bring more stress than value. I protect my peace. If you are interested in this you can get it here https://selar.com/m/adebolabadiru

On the flip side, I had someone try to buy my e-book yesterday. She contacted me directly for this and overpaid. She said, “This is worth more than what you’re charging.” That is the kind of client I show up 110% for. Because they see the value and they respect it.

So if you are building something, whether it is a business, mentorship service, content platform, or anything else, please hear me:

• Set your price.

• Deliver quality.

• Do not let guilt, pressure, or proximity reduce your standard.

You deserve to be paid for what you do. And your time is precious. Use it on people who value it.

Have a lovely weekend.