PP work and a friend of mine

[tlcdoula]

I went to see a friend that I went to school with yesterday - she had her baby a month ago and she was telling me how tired she is, etc. As we talked I had told her about the twins mom I am working with and we talked about pp doula work. She then asked me how much I charge and I told her $20 per hour and she told me that she would love to have me, but that was waaayyyy too much money. Now, that really bothered me and then she asked me if I had a friend who did it cheaper and that bothered me even more - let me explain why.

When I drove up she had a beautiful house (I know I shouldn't judge) and in her driveway her boyfriend (common law husband) has two BMW's (brand new) and a Mercedes (brand new) and she was telling me how he wants another brand new car but she isn't sure if he is getting the "Beamer as a 2007 or if they will wait for the 2008s". I also know that when we were in school her allowance each week was $200 - this wasn't for groceries or anything - just her spending money (didn't even include for clothes, etc). She had also told me that they owe no debt and he pays cash for everything as he is a vice president of the company he works for.

I have to admit I was frustrated but also hurt that she would tell me I charge too much. Of course, I just smiled and told her that the clients that I work with value me highly and they do not even question my price and she went on about how poorer people couldn't afford me and I explained I will do a sliding scale for them and she asked why I wouldn't for her. I told her that I knew she could afford it

No way will I refer anyone to her as she doesn't value the fantastic service that would be given to her!!!! Why are the rich so cheap? I can say that I know she is rich too, because I have known her for a year and she is very open, etc. We went to school together and I saw her daily for over six months and we sat together, talked a lot, often ate lunch together too.

[Tarstar]

I'm sorry Michelle. Saying you charge to much was hurtful, although she probably didn't mean it to be. If she brings it up again maybe you could suggest that different people have different priorities about where they spend your money, and that both you and your clients believe your services are worth every penny.

[DoulaKaren]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlcdoula I have to admit I was frustrated but also hurt that she would tell me I charge too much. Of course, I just smiled and told her that the clients that I work with value me highly and they do not even question my price and she went on about how poorer people couldn't afford me and I explained I will do a sliding scale for them and she asked why I wouldn't for her. I told her that I knew she could afford it

Good for you!

And I have no advice but I was wondering if she would adopt me

[deew]

Michelle, I'm so sorry that your friend hurt your feeligs; it was very rude of her,actually.I have often heard that people with money keep their money by asking for discounts on every thing and refusing to pay full price for anyhing. I think it truely depends on their personal priorities and lets face it, some people are just messed up when it comes to making wise decisions.It's sad that some one would let themselves or a loved one, become physically exhausted for the sake of a beamer!I know when I was looking for help caring for my dad, I was shocked at how much even an uncertified care giver cost, $25 per hour. But you know, to find some one that truely cared and were good at what they did, she was worth more than her weight in gold to me. I would have paid more if she wanted, because my dad meant the world to me. It's all in what or who means the most to someone.You are good at what you do and have every right to charge even a friend for your services! Cheer up, guess your friend isn't as tired as she thinks!

[tlcdoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MomOfImAndZee Good for you! And I have no advice but I was wondering if she would adopt me

[tlcdoula]

Quote:

Originally Posted by deew Michelle, I'm so sorry that your friend hurt your feeligs; it was very rude of her,actually.I have often heard that people with money keep their money by asking for discounts on every thing and refusing to pay full price for anyhing. I think it truely depends on their personal priorities and lets face it, some people are just messed up when it comes to making wise decisions.It's sad that some one would let themselves or a loved one, become physically exhausted for the sake of a beamer!I know when I was looking for help caring for my dad, I was shocked at how much even an uncertified care giver cost, $25 per hour. But you know, to find some one that truely cared and were good at what they did, she was worth more than her weight in gold to me. I would have paid more if she wanted, because my dad meant the world to me. It's all in what or who means the most to someone.You are good at what you do and have every right to charge even a friend for your services! Cheer up, guess your friend isn't as tired as she thinks!

- no, I don't think she is as tired as she thinks she is. She still has the energy to take her dog to the park each day and play with her for two hours at a time, so she still has pretty good energy (at least from what I could see )