“Why do you work for free?”

I hear this question often, especially after having volunteered for five years in Nepal. Most creatives, freelancers, and entrepreneurs will face this very same question at some point in their careers.

Should I work for free? Should I participate in this unpaid project? Should I volunteer my time?

Working for free can come with many benefits. Here are my top nine:

1. Connections
2. Personal satisfaction
3. Appreciation
4. Experience
5. Opportunity
6. Exposure
7. Growth and development
8. Supporting something irreplaceable
9. Building your resume
10. Changing careers
11. Exploring new interests

Yes, absolutely, work for free. But choose projects and commitments mindfully, with the utmost respect for your valuable time.

More reading:

• Should you ever work for free? – Double your freelancing
• I work for free – Medium
• When you should work for free – Entrepreneur
• Lessons on working for free – Project Exponential