Improve your life

What are you worth?

I remember sitting in a job interview a few years back. Everything was going well, and we seemed to be progressing towards a close – I was going to get the job. And then I was asked a question that surprises me to this day.

The hiring manager was trying to gently bring up the topic of salary and asked me: “So what do you think you’re worth?”

Since then I’ve actually heard this question a couple of times, and looking back on the jobs I subsequently took, I would have been well served to run in the opposite direction.

The first time I heard it I (somewhat meekly) put forth a number I thought the hiring manager wanted to hear, and we subsequently began negotiating the salary package. The next time I heard the question, I was a little bolder. I deflected the question and asked the hiring manager, “Are you really asking me what I think I’m worth? Or are you asking me how much I’m willing to be paid to do this work?” He smiled, realizing the difference in the questions and asked me to provide his answer to both questions.

Simply put, I informed him that – without knowing his budget for this position – I could safely say that what I was worth was well in excess of what he would be willing or able to pay. However, what I would accept in lieu of the type of work we were discussing would be closer to his budget.

But I’ve carried that with me ever since then – what I am worth and what I get paid are generally two completely separate amounts. In my life, I have decided that my personal worth has NOTHING to do with my rate of pay.

I encourage you to look at your own life and see if this rule applies to you as well. Chances are – if you’re reading this, you’re well aware of the differences. Now that said, your job in life, your commitment to yourself should be to narrow the gap between self-worth and what you earn. And in order to do that, you must be relentless and passionate about improving your earning ability.

When your ability increases, so too do the rewards.

posted by Mark @ 12:38 PM