WIBTA for refusing to do a free branding project while I am on medical bed rest for my pregnancy
I am currently 28 weeks pregnant and I was recently put on partial bed rest because of some blood pressure issues. I am a senior UI/UX designer and my job is incredibly high stress so my doctor basically told me to sign off and stay away from my desk as much as possible. I am supposed to be focusing on not having a stroke or a premature birth but apparently some people in my life see this as a golden opportunity for free labor. A girl from my old college circle reached out last week because she is starting some "lifestyle brand" and needed a full brand identity and a website mockup.
She did not mention a budget or a contract once. Her entire pitch was about how we need to support each other and how I must be "so bored" sitting at home all day. I have been in this industry for ten years and I do not need exposure. I definitely do not need to be hunching over a laptop for twelve hours a day while my ankles are the size of watermelons. I told her straight up that I am on medical leave for a reason and that I am not taking on any projects right now regardless of the pay.
She did not take it well at all. She started sending these long rants about how pregnancy is not a sickness and how I am being lazy. She actually said that since I am not "actually working" a few hours on Figma should be a nice distraction for me. Then she pulled the female solidarity card and said I was gatekeeping my success from other women. Now a couple of our mutual friends are chiming in saying I should just bash out a quick logo for her to keep the peace. They act like my professional skills are just a hobby I can turn on and off for their convenience.
It is not just a few hours. A real brand guide takes a massive amount of mental energy and research. I am exhausted just trying to stay hydrated and keep my blood pressure down. I am not a charity and my medical leave is for resting and growing a human not for subsidizing her startup costs. I ended up blocking her after she told me I was being a selfish bridezilla which does not even make sense because I have been married for three years. Some people are just incredibly entitled and I am done trying to be the nice professional girl.
My sister is the worst part though. She keeps telling me I am being inflexible and that I have plenty of time on my hands before the baby comes. I told her if she feels so bad for the girl she can go learn the software and do it herself. I am done explaining that my expertise has a price tag even when I am not in a corporate office. I am going back to my heating pad and I am not checking my notifications for the rest of the day .