If you feel like you’re not being paid enough at your job, you’re not alone. According to a 2018 Gallup poll, 40% of U.S. workers feel they are underpaid. That means there are a lot people out there trying to find out how to get paid what they’re worth. Low wages drive many to seek out second jobs, or to try to earn extra money with contract work through companies like Lyft or Airbnb.
Second jobs can put a serious strain not only on a worker’s free hours, but their much needed rest time. Lack of sleep could lead to decreased job performance, which could actually knock a worker off the promotion track. It can be a vicious cycle. A new career path with better pay and benefits may be the answer, but not always.
Housing costs are rising and wages aren’t really growing. Pay that feels low now could feel even lower in a few years. If you’re one of the many Americans who feel underpaid, you can take steps to make more money sooner rather than later.
Leverage Your Experience into the Paycheck You Deserve
You may not need to leave your present employer to give your paycheck a boost. Talk to your boss or HR department about how to get a promotion, or ask about available advancement opportunities within the company. Many organizations like to hire from within and some even offer to pay tuition for current employees with the goal of promoting them. That may mean a shorter professional course, a four year degree, or even graduate school. You can start as a barista, but end up as an executive with a resume that says you know the company from the bottom up!
Maybe your company doesn’t offer programs to help you advance, but don’t despair. If you’ve ever searched for a higher paying job online, you know how much the pay goes up when you filter for a bachelor’s degree. Four year college grads earn 168% of what high school grads will. Those numbers climb even higher for those with master’s degrees. Combining your present work experience with a college degree can help you land a job with higher pay.
Whatever your current position, it’s a great idea to look at your promotion options and consider furthering your education to get paid what you’re worth!
