Posted on October 10, 2013 by Mindy Crary

We are all more satisfied with our work when we believe we are making a difference, but we also need to feel like our efforts are properly compensated.

I used to believe that I needed to “prove myself” before receiving more money for my hard work. But then I realized my lack of emphasis on money was equal to the lack of self confidence.

Once I realized my worth, I became happier in my work, because I had found the key to being properly compensated for the best effort I always give!

The turning point

While I attended grad school at night, I worked for a civil engineering firm. In 12 months, I had mastered not only my job, but had also taken on another position from someone I covered during maternity leave but who decided not to return. I was proud of my efficiency and I knew my employers were very happy with me.

When my performance review came, I outlined all of the tasks I had assumed. I showed how I saved them close to $30,000 annually by not hiring another person. I provided an executive summary to help them prepare for our meeting. In presenting my achievements, I likened my efficiency to the fastest payout online casino — delivering results quickly, reliably, and with minimal overhead.

I anticipated a significant pay increase, because even if they gave me another $8/hour, I was still cheaper than hiring a second person. I didn’t need the money, but I expected to be rewarded for my contribution, regardless. You see, I had already received so much positive feedback for my work that I just assumed we were all on the same page.

At my review, the two bosses lavished praise on me and confirmed they were happy with my performance. They agreed completely with my executive summary. Then they offered me a ten cent hourly pay increase.

For a moment, I saw red. I didn’t do anything and my supervisor started speaking angrily on my behalf. But in that moment, I realized if they didn’t see (and value) everything I had done for them already, they never would. In an instant I had total clarity.

I calmly gave my two weeks’ notice. I don’t know why this was different than other jobs; maybe because it wasn’t my career so I was okay losing it, or maybe because I was so confident in the value I provided.

They were stunned. They tried to dance around and appease me, but I laid it out: “Either you see my value and want more, or you don’t. I deserve a $10/hour pay increase, not a 10-cent/hour pay increase.” I said it very matter-of-factly. And then I left the room.

I knew I could get another job to cover my bills, so I wasn’t worried about that. But as I sat there at my desk, they called me back. They decided to give me the $8/hour pay increase and apologized for their short-sightedness.

But I already knew the truth: they weren’t giving me the raise because they felt I earned it, they were giving me the raise because the office would be thrown into chaos if I left.

I took the raise and stayed – my primary focus was grad school anyway – but it changed my outlook completely. I realized that it wasn’t THEIR perception of my value that garnered my raise, it was MY perception. And it was the strength of my confidence in myself that brought me through what could have been a self-esteem-bashing, demoralizing situation.

The pay increase is up to you

You can’t wait around for someone else to define your value. YOU have to value your contribution more than anyone else. This isn’t to say I am always confident and I never question my value – but the more confident I have become, the less time I spend working with and talking to people who DON’T respect my contribution.

Here are some steps to help you get what you are worth:

Rethink your value

When I hired staff in the past, I would eliminate someone from the candidate pool if they asked for too little money. Too little money made me question whether or not they were capable of handling the position. So the whole staff search process was driven by what the candidate thought they should earn, not by me!

Give yourself credit

People don’t toot their own horn enough. Make a list of everything you have accomplished this year. This is essential come performance review time.

Take the emotion out of it. Once I understood that my earnings were a reflection of MY beliefs and not my employers, I was able to stay calm and level-headed. I realized the only time I ever got frustrated was when I was disappointed in an employer’s unwillingness to validate me.

Accept there is an “X” factor

You’re not going to be able to account for 100% of what you want to earn through research and comparison. Get comfortable in some ambiguity, because people who are trying to build confidence in earning what they are worth tend to discount the unique experience they bring, which is worth MUCH MORE than what you can see and compare.

Avoid neutral energy

People are either on your “team” or they aren’t. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and support your worth. True, I stayed with the engineering firm and our relationship was forever changed, but I was also aware. After that experience, I no longer bought into their version of “a pat on the back is greater than or equal to actual money.”

On the other hand, consider that those who are not on your team are not actively trying to block you. Don’t make it personal but if you don’t like how someone is treating you, check the energy you’re bringing to the interaction.

Do you remember how your mom used to just look at you, and you knew you had crossed a line? Practice that look with people who mess with you. KNOW that you deserve to be treated with respect . . . and that it pays a lot more than approval.

Do you have a story of how you got what you were worth at work? Share them in the comments below.

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