Lots of people aren’t sure if they’re being paid enough, and don’t know how to find out. You might be working very hard, doing a lot of what’s asked of you, and even going above and beyond, but your paycheck doesn’t reflect it. Figuring out if you’re underpaid is where to start with that.
Being underpaid isn’t usually something that shouts at you. It tends to show itself in small ways over time. You might start to feel frustrated, have no motivation, or as though you’re stuck. And it’s not always about how much you’re doing. Often, it’s just that what you’re being paid doesn’t match your value.
How to Tell If You’re Underpaid
Once you realize the signs, you can start doing something about it.
You’re Doing More Than Your Role
Taking on more than you should for your job is a really obvious sign you might be underpaid, particularly if your responsibilities just keep increasing, but your salary doesn’t. You might regularly do extra things, help your colleagues with their work, or be in charge of tasks that weren’t originally part of your job.
At first, this can seem like a good thing, a way to grow. But over time, it becomes unbalanced. If you’re doing more work but aren’t being paid more, your contribution isn’t being fully appreciated.
You Avoid Talking About Money
A lot of people are uncomfortable talking about money at work. But avoiding the subject can mean you remain underpaid for longer than you need to. You may get nervous about saying something, assume it’s not the right moment, or keep telling yourself to hang on a little longer.
This keeping quiet can actually work against you; your employer might not realize you’re expecting a higher amount unless you actually say so. If you want to get a better grasp of your finances before you have that conversation, the Abundance Audit Workbook can help you see where you are.
You Haven’t Had a Raise in a Long Time
If it’s been a very long time since you got a pay rise, even as your experience and what you’re responsible for have increased, it’s likely you are being underpaid. Costs of living go up, your abilities get better, and you become more valuable. If your income doesn’t reflect those things, there’s a difference. You should review your situation regularly, and not just wait for someone else to realize it.
Others in Similar Roles Earn More
Comparing yourself to others can be damaging, but a little bit of comparison is useful. If people in similar positions, with similar skills or experience, are earning more, it’s something to consider. This isn’t the time to react instantly, but to gather information. Knowing what your work is worth on the market helps you understand where you are.
You Feel Drained but Not Rewarded
Being exhausted after work is normal, but being constantly drained and not feeling a sense of getting something back from it is different. You might find you have no motivation, are losing interest in your job, or feel that the effort you put in isn’t worth it.
This often happens when effort and the reward for it aren’t in balance. Money isn’t the only thing that matters, of course, but it does play a large part in how valued you feel.
You Accept Less Than You Deserve
Sometimes the problem isn’t with what’s happening around you, it’s within you. You might accept the first offer you get without trying to negotiate, avoid asking for more money, or feel grateful even when the pay is too low. This makes a habit.
When you constantly accept less, that’s what you start to expect. If you want to change the way you think about money, Heal Your Relationship with Money Self-Coaching Companion can help you to create a healthier way of thinking about value and income.
What to Do If You Are Underpaid
What should you do if you are underpaid? Once you know how to tell if you are, the next step is to do something. You don’t need to rush, but you do need to be decisive.
First, be clear on what you’re worth. Make a list of your skills, what you’re responsible for, and what you contribute. Understand what you bring to your role. Being clear about this will give you confidence.
Next, research the market. Find out what others in similar jobs are earning. This will help you to have sensible expectations. Use this as guidance, not as something to compare yourself to in a way that causes pressure.
Before asking for a raise, work out what you want to say. Concentrate on your contributions, how much you’ve grown, and the value you bring. Keep it simple and professional.
Eventually, you will have to ask. Waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment could delay things. Be clear about what you’re asking for and why.
Be prepared for any outcome. You won’t necessarily get an immediate ‘yes’. If the answer is ‘no’, ask what you need to do to get to that level. This will give you some direction.
Strengthen Your Financial Position
Alongside trying to increase your income, improve your overall financial situation. This includes keeping track of your spending, planning your expenses, and setting goals. The Budget to Abundance Planner can help you stay organized in a simple way and build a system to support your progress.
Explore Other Ways to Earn
Think about income from more than one place. Increasing your income doesn’t necessarily have to come from your main job. You could explore other ways to earn money, improve your skills, or look for better opportunities. This takes some of the pressure off one source of income. A Sistergirl’s Guide to Making Multiple Streams of Income can help you to increase how much you can earn.
Know Your Value and Act on It
Know your value, and do something about it. Knowing how to tell if you’re underpaid is just the beginning. Real change happens when you act on that. You don’t have to stay in a situation that doesn’t appreciate you. When you begin to recognize your value, your decisions will change. You’ll speak up, set firmer boundaries, and look for better options. And, in time, your income will start to show that.
