Deciding on the amount of a rush fee- help!

[ChloeGreenbergArt]

Hi everyone!

I've been working on a book for a client for about a year, and he just called me to let me know the deadline for the finished book is going to be sooner than originally anticipated. This is due to understandable circumstance out of our control. He said he was willing to compensate me more for working more quickly.
The problem is that I work two jobs outside of freelance, and struggle finding enough time to work on the book as it is. But I also want to go faster because I'm not enjoying working on this book at this point, and the opportunity cost of it has really been hitting hard lately.
I was thinking of maybe taking half days at one of my dayjobs once a week in order to carve out more time for the book. The money lost from that would equate to an additional $110 per illustration. The illustrations go for $150-400 each depending on whether it's a spot or full double spread.
This is a self publishing client who is retired and seems to have enough money to spare, but I'm still not sure if this is a reasonable ask.
I guess I just want to know what you all think and see if you have any additional ideas or advice about pricing and/or time management.

Thanks!!

[makekong]

@ChloeGreenbergArt just be sure it doesnt impact your dayjob as it seems that is a longer term relationship you have. And I would suggest to mention that you wont work faster on it but will actually pause some activities to dedicate time to it.

[Nyrryl Cadiz]

@ChloeGreenbergArt hi Chloe! I think adding the money you lost from your day job to the illustration price is a great start. I agree with @makekong that you need to mention this to the client to emphasize what you’re sacrificing just to have more time for their project. And if you choose to add a bit extra, that’s definitely up to you. I wish you all the best ️

[ChloeGreenbergArt]

@Nyrryl-Cadiz Thanks!

[ChloeGreenbergArt]

@makekong Thanks! Thankfully, my dayjob has really flexible scheduling, and they don't care if any employees change their schedules around. It's mostly students and folks who work other jobs as well.