Ever found yourself thinking your salary was just fine, until you discovered what others are making? Maybe a coworker let it slip, or perhaps a headhunter or a rival company dangled and sent an offer your way. It’s a situation most of us have faced at some point.
It can be frustrating to learn that people who aren’t performing as well as you are earning more. It’s hard not to take that personally.

You don’t get what you’re worth

Ever wonder why some folks earn way more than their coworkers, even if they aren't the top performers? The answer is pretty straightforward. They ask for it!
In both life and business, it's not about what you're worth. It's about getting what you negotiate.
It's fascinating how we live in a world that values success, yet the highest earners aren't always the best employees.

There are several reasons for this situation, but simply put, it might be because you haven't advocated for yourself as strongly as others have. When you discover what your colleagues are earning, it opens your eyes to what's truly achievable.
The key is to recognize your own worth to your employer. If you're a top performer who consistently delivers excellent work, you absolutely deserve to be well compensated.

Here are some reasons why you might not be earning what you’re worth.

The reasons

1. No market knowledge

2. No demands

3. No career change

4. Your boss feels to safe

No market knowledge:
How do you figure out the salary you want to earn? Early in our careers, it's easy to fall into the trap of listening to people who might not really know what they're talking about. Some folks even take everything they read online seriously, which can be a big mistake. Building relationships with others is crucial in the business world.
Once you've established a good rapport, it can be helpful to ask around about what others are earning.
It's okay to start with a lower salary to get your foot in the door.
However, for your next job, it's important to know the potential salary you could earn, so you don't end up underselling yourself.

No demands:
We often assume that being the top performer and being a dependable team member will automatically lead to a fantastic salary. I've encountered many high achievers who earn less than their peers. It's important not to expect your company to offer you a great salary unless you ask for it. If you know you're a valuable asset to the team, don't hesitate to request a raise.
After all, isn't your paycheck the main reason you show up every day?

No career change:
Imagine you kick off your career right after finishing university with a starting salary of $50,000. Climbing to $100,000 at the same company can be quite a challenge.
Sure, if you stay long enough, you might eventually get there, but it could take a while. On the other hand, switching companies could easily bump your salary by $20,000.
It might sound like a big leap, but I've done it myself, and I know many others who have had similar experiences. You don't need to change jobs every year, but being open to new opportunities can unlock financial possibilities you might not have thought possible. It's great to see that people today are more open-minded and willing to explore their options compared to 30 years ago.

Your boss feels to safe:
It's important to strike a balance with your boss so they don't feel like you're about to jump ship, but you also don't want them to feel too comfortable. You shouldn't threaten them, but if you're not being valued properly, it's okay to let them know that other companies see your worth and that you receive offers regularly. The catch?
You need to have real options and be genuinely open to changing jobs if necessary, or you might lose credibility. Making empty threats will only make it hard for your boss to take you seriously.
A strong position in any negotiation is about having options!

In conclusion

I really wish everyone could earn what they truly deserve, but that's not always how things go in the world. Companies are focused on maximizing profits, and labor costs are a significant part of their expenses. If you're a top performer who's reliable and always gives 100%, you should definitely be compensated fairly.
However, you often need to advocate for yourself to get what you're worth.
It's interesting how much more companies can actually pay, yet many try to minimize expenses. So, don't hesitate to ask for a raise—after all, that's a big reason why you show up every day. Keep an eye out for new opportunities, and if you're young and eager to learn, taking a chance and switching jobs might be just what you need. Remember, if things don't work out, there are always other jobs out there.
Be bold and take that chance!

Thank you for reading and good luck for your next negotiation!