21/06/2025
The most draining part of our job is bargaining our worth.
Client..... Gives health detail of their loved ones and asks what we charge.
Waithîra Gatimu ~ answers and even goes beyond to explain what the services entail.
Client....... Gives an offer of less than a quarter of the normal charges. And even goes ahead to say that their loved one, who is immobile 'hana kazi miingi'
Waithera.... Calls me, very disappointed and at the verge of screaming and crying her heart and soul out.
I remind her that it's a calling and comes with its own disappointments and challenges. I also laugh at her a little because, by now, and even when we are both used to expect such kind of disrespect, it hits hard almost all the time.
The fun part of it is when the client comes back(90% do) later with loads of regrets and complaints after getting 'someone cheaper' and now they expect to continue the conversation like nothing happened. My big sis Esther Kimiri taught me, if the client lacks respect at the beginning, they never change. They might come back after some disappointments but believe me, they still don't respect you or your services. Just decline the offer pole pole. It's hard and draining to take care of someone who doesn't value you or your services
