Here are your show notes for this episode of Don’t Do What I Did, titled “Don’t Work for Free”:

In this episode, Mas Moriya breaks down one of the hardest lessons creatives have to learn—valuing your time and saying no to unpaid work. From 15 years as a filmmaker and photographer to countless emails asking for “just a few shots for exposure,” Mas shares why working for free often does more harm than good—not just for you, but for the whole industry.

He explains when volunteering your skills makes sense, how to negotiate value even when money isn’t on the table, and why putting your true rates (and discounts) on invoices matters. Along the way, he shares stories from protests, nonprofit gigs, comedy shows, and musician shoots, illustrating how offering the right kind of free work can lead to real opportunities—while saying “yes” to the wrong gigs can keep you stuck.

• Why “exposure” doesn’t pay your rent

• When free work can be strategic vs. exploitative

• How doing unpaid jobs lowers rates for everyone in your field

• The power of showing your true rates alongside discounts

• Using volunteer work as intentional networking

• How to structure unpaid work so it leads to paid gigs

• Setting boundaries with nonprofits and “we have no budget” clients

• The difference between NY and LA culture around free work

• Why your personal brand matters when choosing gigs

• Know your rates—and show them, even when discounting.

• Free work is only worth it when it’s your choice and it brings immediate, tangible value.

• Avoid the “forever volunteer” trap—don’t train people to expect free labor.

• Exposure is overrated—build connections with the right people instead.

• Say no with options—refer someone else or offer a reduced scope instead of just declining.

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