10 Polite Ways To Say, “Sorry. I Don’t Work For Free.”
Recommend a student
Recommending a student for the job makes you look helpful, possibly throws a bone to a student who needs experience, and reminds this person that, if they want an experienced professional to get the job done, they’re going to need to pay professional rates. It also says, “I’m not a young kid anymore but I know one! Let me get you in touch with them while I go somewhere and get paid for my work.” Students are willing to work for the experience, so this reminds this client or individual that, “Hey, when you want advanced skills, you pay advanced prices.”