TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: How much to charge? From:Jean Weber <jean_weber -at- COMPUSERVE -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 3 Feb 1998 14:51:39 -0500
An interesting assumption in Keith Arnett's discussion of how to determine
what to charge:
>c. Determine how many billable hours you think you can work in one week
and multiply by 50.<
The assumption is that you think you can (and want to!!) work 50 weeks out
of the year. Did I miss an allowance for sick days, or is that factored
into the 30 hr/wk, along with public holidays, time off for self-education,
and other non-billable hours spent on your business?
But more importantly, ask yourself, do you really WANT to work 50 weeks a
year? One of the benefits of freelancing/contracting is having the option
of longer vacations. I suggest you consider calculating your billable hours
on the basis of 48 weeks a year or less.
