At the inception of my new career, someone asked me what I charged? I had no idea what to answer. I thought of what I was paid doing similar work for employers I had worked for, always feeling I should be paid more. So why did I quote the hourly wage I had been making when I was never satisfied?

My brother told me I should ask for more? We went back and forth, coming to a rate I was comfortable with. Why was I so nervous thinking people wouldn't pay this higher rate? As women, especia...