Thursday, September 15, 2011

You call that a raise?

It's here. The day you've been dreading and highly anticipating at the same time: your financial review.

You're pumped because you believe that you will finally be recognized and rewarded for all of the long hours and terrific work you've done. You let your imagination go a bit wild - the thought of new brakes for your car, that all inclusive vacation and winter boots that don't leak - all seem within reach.

But then it happens. Your nightmare - your raise is minimal and well below the industry average for your position. You've had enough. You vowed to yourself that you wouldn't cave and that it's finally time to stand up for yourself. So what do you do? You negotiate. It's funny how university was supposed to prepare students for their career lives ahead. But when did they ever teach how to negotiate?

People in the early to mid twenties are the worst at this because they don't know what they're worth. You may not be married with two kids, a minivan or have a mortgage, but this doesn't mean you don't deserve to make less. If you don't feel respected through your compensation, it's time to move on and find a company that will. Giving yourself the respect you deserve is a thing. Staying at an underpaid job for too long because you're afraid to ask for more - not a thing  ^B

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