It’s never just a burger

When you go to a restaurant and order a burger, you aren’t just paying for the burger.

You’re paying for the ingredients.

You’re paying for the chair you’re sitting on.

You’re paying for the table you’re eating off of.

You’re paying for the chef’s time.

You’re paying for the waiter’s time.

You’re paying part of the owner’s rent, insurance, permits and utilities.

All of these things are factored into the cost. Is it cheaper if you go to the grocery store, buy everything you need and make it yourself?

Of course.

But, you’d have to spend your own time and use your own kitchen and use your own supplies to make your own burger. And you’ll have to do your own dishes, afterwards.

It’s the same with any product or service. You aren’t only paying for the product or service itself, but all of the expenses that come along with it.

As a podcast producer, I’m not only billing for my time but for my editing software, my equipment, my licensing and platform fees, music usage rights, etc.

As a social media strategist, in addition to billing for my time, I’m also billing for my design tools, scheduling and analytics software, workshops and professional development, etc.

When you go to a restaurant and order a burger, you aren’t just paying for the burger. You’re paying to outsource your time, labour and incurred expenses. If you can’t afford to outsource these expenses, do it yourself.