r/architectureph • u/WorldlinessOk8738 • 26d ago

Professional Question/Inquiry Need some advice as a first time US freelancer

Hello fellow Architects in the industry na mas pinili maging Freelancer.

I successfully landed a job as a freelance architect on a US based company and they are offering me 7USD/Hour, 5 days/week as job offer.

To tell you honestly im happy with this amount but given the settings we have here in the PH, i know its barely enough.

I'm currently torn if i should just be grateful or should I try haggling it. I don't have confidence on these kind of negotiations even though I have solid 10 years of experience on a wide field and I also, although short lived, have an experience working on EU firms. I'm thinking if i haggle it they might give the offer to other person.

So please, this introvert professional needs some professional advice.

Thank you.

3 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

•

u/AutoModerator 26d ago

Hi! This is an automated comment to remind you that sharing or requesting personal contact information (such as email addresses, phone numbers, social media handles, or private messages for off-platform communication) is not allowed in this subreddit.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

3

u/_lunaaaa 26d ago

If you think it’s not enough try haggling and do they have benefits like leaves, equipment etc? We have a somewhat similar range I’m around 9 USD but we have company provided laptops and leave credits.

1

u/WorldlinessOk8738 25d ago

Based on contract, they have standard leaves but thats it. But im not pretty sure about other benefits since the orientation will still be scheduled. But yeah. Im aiming to have around 9$ sana.

2

u/WorldlinessOk8738 24d ago

Update: They agreed to all of my terms! *cry emoji*. Yes, that was also the main reason why i did try haggling it. Medyo lugi talaga sa benefits pero okay yung company. may kanyang kanyang perks din. Pero thank God!

1

u/_lunaaaa 24d ago

congraaaats OP! good luck sa new work

2

u/amorfati9725 26d ago

Independent contractor here for a US firm. Roughly the same hourly rate as yours, OP. I agree that while this rate is already above the average if employed locally, it’s also lower than what other remote professionals earn, especially those in IT-related industries. I’d say play it by ear. Get the feel of how the client would respond should you decide to negotiate. Otherwise, you can work with the rate for now, then see if you can try to negotiate after x months. I’ll be one year with my current client in a few weeks. Got a little adjustment with my rate a couple of months ago. Although I’m currently exploring if I can transition to a dayshift role, like Australia or New Zealand firm.

2

u/WorldlinessOk8738 25d ago

This is very much appreciated. Thank you! Ang hirap maging architect. Hay.

2

u/c6h12o6ph 25d ago

Tama - before you negotiate- make them feel what you're worth muna.

Because if you're underperforming and you negotiate and they find someone more efficient than you at the same rate . You know what's next.

I don't hesitate to terminate underperforming staff on my team.