We've all pondered quitting our jobs.
But unfortunately, for many people the choice is not that easy. After all,
having a job means earning a paycheck. But what if that paycheck barely pays
enough to cover your bills and expenses?
It's common for workers to think they
aren't paid enough and for various reasons. Sometimes it's because of the
number of hours they work, or it may relate to their job duties. It could be
that associated job duties are
complex in nature, or it could be just simply that the duties that they are charged with would typically be assigned to someone in a more senior role at another company.
complex in nature, or it could be just simply that the duties that they are charged with would typically be assigned to someone in a more senior role at another company.
If you're just scraping by it can have
a negative effect on your work product, attitude and general level of
competency. Your level of concentration and focus can be affected, because
you're thinking about other personal issues. A negative home-life environment
because of financial pressures and work environment together can be a recipe
for disaster and can cause problems on both fronts.
Fortunately, there are ways to cope.
Here are five tips:
1.
Start with your current employer: It's not enough to
think you are unpaid -- you have to know if you are. I know many people will be
agreeing to. Research your wage compared with the industry and find out where
you stand. Think of ways you can be immediately more valuable to your employer.
2.
Ask for
a raise: But make sure it's justified. Many
people think they are entitled to a wage simply because they are. It can't just
be that you can't afford to pay your bills and the employer will be thinking
“that’s not my problem.” However, if your job duties have increased or you have
been given more responsibility, then you may be justified in asking for a
raise. If this is feasible, prepare your case thoroughly. Have facts and
figures available so that you can negotiate intelligently and have the
information to back up your request.
3.
Make time to look for a new job: Carve out sometime
during the week to look for another opportunity that would pay you more. Look
for opportunities within the company first, where you have a proven track
record and good references. Look at competitor companies, too. The key is to
take the time to do so. Wake up a few hours earlier every day to scour the
websites and agencies that are open or even take one hour for lunch to search
for them. Submit your CV to different companies, or attend a networking event
once a week after work. Be proactive rather than reactive to your financial
woes. Doing something about your situation will help you also feel more
positive.
4.
Take on a side job: Use this time to
exercise your creative juices rather than wallow in the negative aspects of the
situation. If your profession, hobby or skills can make extra money on the
side, without presenting a conflict to your current employer, go for it. If
that's not an option, try having a yard sale to bring in some extra cash
5.
Adopt an attitude of gratitude: Rather than
surrounding yourself with negative and unproductive energy, try being grateful
for your current situation, rather than surrounding it with negative and
unproductive energy. There are still hundreds of thousands of people that are
out of work and would love to switch places with you. More than that, there are
millions of people across the world living in poverty or war zones that would wish
they were in your shoes right now so be a little grateful you have something.
Change your perspective on the situation.
One thing that we can all be assured of is that no situation remains the same. Your situation will eventually change if you take the steps to do something about it. In the meantime, stay positive and be successful in your current role. Opportunities will eventually present themselves.
This article is by Juliah Karimi of Staff Kenya
One thing that we can all be assured of is that no situation remains the same. Your situation will eventually change if you take the steps to do something about it. In the meantime, stay positive and be successful in your current role. Opportunities will eventually present themselves.
This article is by Juliah Karimi of Staff Kenya
