When I was doing consulting for small websites, data work and programming through craigslist, much like the original article. I charged $35/h with a minimum on

When I was doing consulting for small websites, data work and programming through craigslist, much like the original article. I charged $35/h with a minimum one hour charge. This was 6 or 7 years ago and at the time, I wasn't really thinking about making it full time work. I did a lot of research before hand on average rates for the type of work I was doing and my experience level, checked out other ads things like that. I chose my rate because it was higher than the spammy looking cheap ads but was on the lower end for consulting rates. I got a decent amount of work. I had one customer specifically tell me he chose me after finding out my rate because I charged more than the people with the cheap ads that had done poor quality work. I never had anyone quibble about the rates. Luckily, my customers were mostly business owners and stuff. I got some tine tracking software that also helped keep work stuff seperate from hone stuff. If I clocked in, I was working, I kept a list of tasks. In the end though, nobody really asked to see or check, they just wanted the bill. Don't be afraid to charge a rate you feel is reasonable for your work ans don't feel bad when you hand over that invoice.