Why Refusal to Work is No Longer an Effective Threat
Once upon a time, Otto Von Bismarck unified Germany. His skillful use of diplomacy and military power enabled him to contend with other countries, while his refusal to back down from what he wanted proved effective with his superiors.
The usual pattern in his career was that of a superior refusing to approve Bismarck’s plan, Bismarck threatening to resign, and the superior eventually giving in. It’s interesting to note how such confidence in one’s value is rare today.
Out of everything I’ve read on Elance’s restructuring, Jennifer’s thoughts stand out:
I saw this article… reporting on the possibility that Elance members would strike. There have been some rumblings about that on Elance, but I don’t really think it will happen… In a thread where one provider suggested everyone drop their Elance membership for two months, another responded with something like “That’s a great idea–more work for the rest of us!”
There’s no doubt that the Internet has made it easier for freelancers and contract workers to find work. But at the same time, it has made it easier for labor to become commoditized, as it’s now easier for employers and clients find the lowest price.
There’s nothing wrong with searching for the best deal. But there is something wrong with a contract worker who’s very willing to be paid less than what their work is worth, to their own and their fellow freelancers’ detriment. Online job sites like Elance make it easier for those desperate for work to undercut everyone else, making it virtually impossible for others to unify and define what their hard work is worth.
So how does this relate to Otto Von Bismarck? Well, I imagine it’s harder for freelancers and contract workers to refuse work as a sign of valid protest. Thanks to the wide availability of eager and extremely affordable (a euphemism if I’ve ever written one) labor, anyone who “resigns” in protest will find themselves without a job. It doesn’t really help that not all clients understand the value of a skillful contract worker, and lack the willingness to pay what these kind of freelancers deserve.
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POSTED IN: On Freelancing
1 opinion for Why Refusal to Work is No Longer an Effective Threat
Sean Hodge
Dec 18, 2007 at 6:13 am
It helps to find clients that do value your service. Then you don’t have to chase the low payers.
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