Comments on: The New Face of Underearning—Is It You?

By: Julie

Julie — Wed, 26 May 2010 17:22:35 +0000

One lesson I learned years ago is that what you settle for as a salary when taking a new job often locks you into a salary range for a very long time. When I took my last job, I felt desperate to get the job and was willing to take anything. I gladly accepted what was offered to me even though it was low. Shortly after that a man was hired for $35,000 more, and much higher than anyone else doing that job because he demanded that kind of salary. He was a pretty arrogant person. I saw that on some level, the hiring partners were impressed with that arrogance and willing to pay for it. I was locked in the range I accepted. The man was fired 6 months later.

When I took my current job i was offered a salary. I politely told them I couldn’t take the position for that salary and asked for $20,000 more. They eventually offered me $15,000 more in salary and a $5000 signing bonus. This was even though the range for that job and title did not warrant it. Since then I have successfully requested increases beyond my band/grade by pointing out the amount of responsibility I have and the impact my work has on the organization.

I have learned a lot from working with men who seem to easily position themselves and point out their value – sometimes on a daily basis. I have often believed that my great work and value should speak for itself. It never seems to work out that way. Women need to speak up and express their value. It is scary but really pays off in the end.

By: Donna

Donna — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:33:08 +0000

Thanks Mikelann! This is great information especially as I am transitioning out of a corporate career into self-employment. I needed this reminder not to make my rates cheap starting out.

By: JaneRadriges

JaneRadriges — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:15:34 +0000

The best information i have found exactly here. Keep going Thank you

By: Are You Earning What You Are Worth? - 2130 Partners

Are You Earning What You Are Worth? - 2130 Partners — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 21:32:44 +0000

[...] Mikelann’s blog post of June 3rd, called “The New Face of Underearning-Is It You?” she speaks to underearning using this definition, “the pattern of earning less than YOUR [...]

By: Denise Wymore

Denise Wymore — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:38:14 +0000

Great post – I have been struggling with this, especially in these tough economic times. I work with financial cooperatives (credit unions) and they are having a really tough year economically AND they don’t know how to negotiate prices. I have NEVER had a client negotiate my fee.

I know. I know – that means I don’t charge enough – BUT, what’s happening now is they just say “I can’t afford you.” sorry.

What to do?

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:01:28 +0000

Great as usual…I’m going to forward to a colleague I met with yesterday.

By: Debbie Lacy

Debbie Lacy — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:52:25 +0000

Yes! This is powerful information, Mikelann. This did used to be me. When I finally examined the pattern, I realized I had resigned myself to just getting by. I used to pat myself on the back if I had over $50 left at the end of each month. No more. It’s simply not good enough. And, you’re right, it’s not about comparing to others but what I know in my heart to be my true potential. I hope everyone sees your message and is willing to ask themselves, “What do I truly want, and am I living into that potential or keeping it forever at bay?” Great stuff! Thanks!