I was walking past one of the conference rooms at work today, and those three words were scrawled across a dry-erase board. I laughed out loud, if for no other reason that it was neat to see someone else being a little mischievous.
But why, I wonder, does someone want to be paid more? Could it be …
- … that they hate their job and want something to make up for that lack of satisfaction?
- … that their portfolio is tanking and they still want to have some semblance of retirement?
- … that they realize what the “real wage” for their job is (with commute and other bleed-over costs factored in) and want to make up for that, but can't afford to quit?
- … that they really do deserve more money?
(Naahhh, that can't be it.) Whatever the reason it might be, it's clear that whatever they're making now isn't enough. I'd be lying if I said that it never crosses my mind.
Here's something that's said a lot less often: “I'm being paid enough.” Not many people know that they're earning enough, I bet. Some may be earning enough, but they haven't stopped to check. Others could be earning enough if their expenses were lower, but purchases, frivolous or otherwise, prevent them from earning enough. And others may have to work for the rest of their lives, or else live off the kindness of strangers.
I received a copy of Your Money or Your Life to review. I've made it through the first few chapters, and the goal is a methodical, objective reformation in the way we think about money: earning it, saving it, spending it, protecting it, and living for it. I'm not really at the point where I can honestly say that I'm earning enough. It will be a while, as a lot of things worry me. I still need to go to work to support my family's lifestyle. I still spend a great many hours per day in the process of working for money. Precious “life energy,” as the authors call it.
Earning enough is a wonderful feeling, I'm sure. Earning more than enough is probably fantastic. But in the meantime, it wouldn't hurt to be paid more.
I vote for #2, and perhaps would add an option #5: Inflation! Although we seem to have gotten a respite for $4.50/gallon gas, the prices of groceries and pretty much everything else the typical American can’t avoid buying remains sky-high. And wages haven’t kept up.
That would be a respite *FROM* $4.50/gallon gas, of course…
That would be a respite *FROM* $4.50/gallon gas, of course…
Oops…forgot to say great post! Looking forward to your next one.
I run across this all the time at work. Because of my job/union/etc, we have a lot of people working the same job for an incredibly diverse amount of money. Some of us are starting at $14/hr, but a great many more are double – or triple that. So while we are doing the same job, the same hours, some of us are being compensated more than others.
Yet for the work that we do, and the hours that we work, and the benefits, etc, $14/hr really is “enough” for that work – just not in comparison to what others are getting.
I’m not earning “enough” but it’s hard to say how many truly “earn” their salaries. The amount of computers I walk by during the day that are on facebook, youtube, twitter, etc. is amazing. Even more amazing when it is the management team. And people wonder why things cost so much.
Hard to complain about earning enough when so many people have lost their jobs. My boss has been out of work for the last few weeks because of neck surgery, so I’ve been having to work 5-10 more hours a week, which stinks because I’m on salary. I also just got my commercial driver’s license that they requested I do. Now they’re wanting me to work more hours, or come in different hours.
But of course no talk of raising my salary.
I’m totally guilty of this. While we try and live a reasonable, frugal life and treat ourselves now and then, no matter how many raises, bonuses or now, side income from blogging comes in, it’s always “just enough”. Just enough is better than most I suppose; never carried any credit card debt, put a little aside for the kids’ college, fair amount in retirement, etc., but not nearly enough to be out buying real estate and becoming “independently wealthy”, etc.
I’m really torn lately because some conversations are leading toward an offer at another company that would be a substantial bump from where I’m at now, but I actually like my job now. I’m really torn between making a huge difference in our financial future or having the assurance that I’m content with the flexibility, “decent/fair” wage, good boss, good people, etc with my current employer.
Here are the ways I suggest will (or should) result in people being paid more at their current job:
* do more work
* do more difficult work
* take on more responsibilities
* take more risks
* give extra effort
* have added value to the organization
* stay longer in your position
* achieve organizational goals
You can always get a different job and step up in pay as you do. My suggestion is to stay put for at least a year in any one place, otherwise as a “drifter” you won’t look all that appealing to a prospective employer.
When you’re ready to really make some serious money, you’ll have to bite the bullet and strike out on your own. First, make certain you’re mentally and financially prepared for that leap. You’ll know when the time is right, and then you’ll see that you can make much more money working for yourself.
Clair
Oh! I didn’t know that you work in my office!