I don’t do rover full-time but I do have a couple regular clients. I’ve never known what to do about my rates but I recently realized (from here lol) that I was charging about half of what is market rate is here, so I raised them. One of my regulars has already booked again, but my roommate asked me if I would watch her partner’s dog and cat while they go on vacation for nine days.

When she initially asked me, she said “just tell me your rate and we’ll pay no questions asked”. This was when I was messing with my rates so I said I’d get back to her. I know she was being genuine when she said that, but I still get very anxious about this stuff. I used to do commissions (like painting and graphic design) freelance and I really couldn’t get the pricing down, which is why I don’t do this full time and stick to a couple regulars.

For reference, my previous rate was $40 a night. Market rate is between $80-100 a night, so I changed it to $80. (NYC; if I’m way off base, lmk lol.)

Today, my roommate came up and was like “would you take $350?” Since I haven’t said anything yet. Which would be less than my previous rate. But she’s also a good friend and we live together. If i went by my new rate, it would be $720, minus the Rover fee.

I feel bad charging that much, but on the other hand, I could be turning down other potential work. I work at a school and there is no work in July, so I’m furloughed with a small stipend right now. My income will be the stipend, rover, and catering gigs as/if they come. Her dog requires three walks a day, so I will have to potentially turn down catering work if the schedule doesn’t allow.

What would do you in this scenario? I feel like the most ethical thing is meet somewhere in the middle but I don’t know. I’m lost please help lol

EDIT: to be clear, my roommate does not live with her partner. I would be sitting at her partner’s house, not my own house.