Books by Mikelann: Expanded Table of Contents

Why Women Earn Less: How to Make What You’re Really Worth

Chapter One: The Truth About Underearning

Chapter one explores the definition of underearning and points out the many misconceptions about it. It talks about the common characteristics of underearners, and it gives an exhaustive list of examples of underearning, so the reader may “score” herself on how many she has fallen into.

Chapter Two: Escaping Noble Poverty

Chapter two explores the concept of noble poverty, asking the reader to answer the question, “Do I feel there is any virtue in not having money?” Noble poverty is explored, along with the belief systems under it and its link to self deprivation.

Chapter Three: From Prince Charming to the Bag Lady

Chapter three centers on the question, “Am I waiting for someone to do it for me?” It discusses the fascinating concept of Prince Charming and where he comes from, as well as his destructive power. This chapter also talks about the Bag Lady Syndrome, the deep fear that so many American women have that they will end up penniless, wandering the streets.

Chapter Four: When Underearning Serves Us

Chapter four details the many ways that underearning may actually be serving the person. Women may undersell themselves because they secretly fear giving something up, such as time or freedom, or they may underearn in order to punish someone. Through many stories and examples, this chapter asks the question, “Is my underearning serving me or benefiting me in some way?”

Chapter Five: The Money Fog

Chapter five discusses the deep “money fog” that permeates the lives of most underearners. It also discusses the behaviors people engage in that actually enable themselves to continue underearning, without realizing it, such as overusing credit cards.

Chapter Six: How Much is Enough?

If underearning is the pattern of not earning enough, then you must know what “enough” money is, for you. This chapter brings readers through a detailed process to help them see exactly how much money they need to be making.

Chapter Seven: Healing the Disconnect

A profound disconnect exists between work and money. Women take jobs without any thought to the pay, or they spend years in school, without thinking about how much money they will be able to make with a given degree. This disconnect extends to the disconnect women have to their own wants and needs.

Chapter Eight: How to Ask for More

One piece of overcoming underearning is the ability to talk about money and negotiate on your own behalf. This chapter describes in detail how to do just that, as well as the many reasons why it is so difficult, and how to overcome your fears.

Chapter Nine: Taking Action

Without taking action, we can never overcome underearning. Chapter nine gives the reader many ideas for taking action, from how to find a mentor, to finding useful organizations on the internet. It also takes the reader through the process of setting specific goals to overcome underearning.
back to Why Women Earn Less: How to Make What You’re Really Worth

back to top