I've done IT based side work for nearly 20 years now, so I know it's not unique to those just starting out. My main problem really is that I'm just too helpful; I have a natural inclination to help people, and that leads to being taken advantage of at times.
There is one particular client I could have charged twice my regular rate and they could have afforded it, but they saw how "nice" I was being by charging them (a sole proprietorship business) the same rate as the old lady down the street, and figured they had a sucker. When I tried to raise my rates they dropped me and hired someone who charged twice what I did but ultimately wasn't willing to put up with their attitude like I was. Of course, I considered it a good thing as I lost a headache, but I also lost a good referral.
In short, I need to stop trying to help my clients financially by offering rock bottom rates (and devaluing myself - imposter syndrome again), and focus on doing the job they are willing to pay me a good rate for. I can still undercut the competition, what little there is here, and make a decent living doing it.
There is one particular client I could have charged twice my regular rate and they could have afforded it, but they saw how "nice" I was being by charging them (a sole proprietorship business) the same rate as the old lady down the street, and figured they had a sucker. When I tried to raise my rates they dropped me and hired someone who charged twice what I did but ultimately wasn't willing to put up with their attitude like I was. Of course, I considered it a good thing as I lost a headache, but I also lost a good referral.
In short, I need to stop trying to help my clients financially by offering rock bottom rates (and devaluing myself - imposter syndrome again), and focus on doing the job they are willing to pay me a good rate for. I can still undercut the competition, what little there is here, and make a decent living doing it.