Jobs & Jobs Hunting

How To Stay Motivated When You’re Getting Underpaid

It happens to everyone at some point. You work in a position where you are totally getting underpaid with no end in sight. It can feel like you are trapped in the position forever and do not deserve to ask for a raise. These are simply not true. There are ways to stay motivated as you transition from your entry-level job into something higher-paying.

1. If you are actively looking for something new, keep in mind your current situation is temporary

Keep your focus on the better things to come. Use your next position to get the pay you deserve. Do not be afraid to negotiate for a better pay when you get your next job, as this is a sure way to get the pay you deserve. Use your current job as motivation for looking for something better. Create a goal to apply for one new position each week and do one thing a day to help you reach the next level of your career. Setting goals to move forward will motivate you to press on to the next best thing.

2. Know your worth

You may be getting underpaid, but you know your own worth. Knowing your worth is how you realize you are underpaid in the first place, which shows that you know that you deserve better. Look at everything you have accomplished for the company and use it to keep pushing forward. Write down a list of everything you are capable of and add to it regularly. Having a physical list to look at is super motivating and allows you to visually see what you can do.

3. Keep your work friends close

Having friends at work can help you stay motivated. Keeping them close not only gives you motivation for pushing forward, but they may also help you realize that you are getting underpaid. They can help point out all that you do for the company and everything you are worthy of. If anything, these people make the work environment a lot more pleasant.

4. Focus on the perks of your position

This is especially true if you are in an unpaid internship. Maybe you get flexible scheduling or health benefits. Your employer may give you exclusive access to various events or free tickets to concerts and museums. If you add up these prices, your compensation may be worth it and you do not have to factor entertainment into your own budget. These things also cost your company money and are things that you do not have to pay for yourself.

See Also

5. Set up a meeting to negotiate a raise

Talk to your supervisor or payroll manager and set up a time to meet to ask for a raise. Do some research into what others with similar experience and duties get paid to give you a basis of what you should ask for. Do not hesitate to ask for a little bit more than you think you deserve, as you are likely to undervalue yourself. Make a list of your accomplishments and use your loyalty to the company as a selling point for why you deserve the raise.

How did you survive getting underpaid? Put it in the comments below!

Ashley Paskill

Ashley is a recent graduate from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA with her Bachelor's in journalism. She love writing articles about music and Philadelphia. Ashley would love to pursue a career in journalism in New York City.

Recent Posts

15 Weekend Bags For Men To Update Your Travel Style

Whether you're going away for a weekend with the guys or heading home to see your family, you have to…

1 hour ago

15 Fuzzy Sweater Outfits You Need This Winter

As the cold weather approaches, there’s no need to force yourself into that itchy, large sweater for the next four…

10 hours ago

20 New Years Eve Makeup Looks To Ring In 2018

NYE is one of the biggest nights of the year! You've probably had your dress picked out for a while…

13 hours ago

15 Hilarious Frat House Sex Confessions

When you're going to a frat party, you can pretty much always expect a few drunk hookup stories to emerge…

14 hours ago

10 Types Of Sneakers Every Guy Needs In His Closet

There are certain types of sneakers every guy needs in his closet. Some are to get the job done at…

14 hours ago

10 Signs You Grew Up In Hubbardston MA

Hubbardston will always be home. It’s a small country town but it has a lot of heart. As someone who…

18 hours ago