As an independent contractor, how much I make or don't make is pretty much up to me. I can choose to accept less money for my time, devaluing it, or I can ask for more. This is true of all freelance work, whether it's transcription, writing, research - you name it. You're only worth as much as you believe you're worth.
And if you don't ask for it, you definitely won't get it. It always saddens me to see people willing to work for much less than they're worth. Don't get me wrong. I understand there are times when any job is better than no job. But too often, I see people happy, almost eager, to work for nothing.
Don't undervalue yourself! If you're not sure how much a job you're bidding on is worth, do some research and find out the going rate. As a freelancer, no one else is going to be thinking about your interests. Be your own advocate.
Chris Garrett at Freelancing Folder has a great post for those of you who do freelance work from home. It's My Top 5 Biggest Freelance Mistakes. My favorite, which would definitely be number one on my list of freelancing mistakes, is: Under-pricing.
Check it out!
Related posts:
Freelancers: How Much is Enough?