Maximize Your Earnings: A Rocky-Inspired Approach to Career Success!
- Jordan Pacheco
- Jun 2, 2023
- 2 min read
Every so often, when the going gets tough, I return to this electrifying three-minute clip from the Rocky movies. Amidst Rocky's empowering monologue, one line hits home every single time:
"Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you."
Now, why am I riffing on Rocky Balboa? Well, it all comes down to a topic that pops up every once in awhile in my convos with close peers: the balance between hard work and its resulting compensation.
The question is pretty straightforward, "Am I being paid fairly for my blood, sweat, and tears?" So, let's deep dive into a simple, no-nonsense plan that I've whipped up to navigate this whirlpool of self-worth and compensation:
Become your own market analyst: It's all about knowing your USP (Unique Selling Point). Take a good, hard look at your education, experience, and skills. Then pit these against what's currently trending in the job market. Scour job boards for similar positions and get a ballpark figure of the going rate. A friendly heads up, though - the location does sway the scales.
Know your time's worth: Picture this - you're selling your time. What's the price tag you'd put on an hour? If you're scratching your head right now, start with the basics - your cost of living.
Promotion - making it a reality: If you're itching for a promotion, kickstart the conversation early. Align your goals with your boss and keep them in the loop with regular updates on your progress. Come year-end, let the facts do the talking - data never lies!
Now, if you've done all this and yet find yourself stuck in a rut, let's take a look at a couple more things:
Benefits - the unsung heroes: Salary is just a part of the whole picture. Consider the benefits - retirement plans, health insurance, PTO. Perhaps your current role offers a comfortable work-life balance. Is trading your weekends worth an extra 5K annually?
The company's outlook: Sometimes, it's neither about you nor your boss. Maybe the company itself is in a crunch and can't pay you what you're worth. At this crossroads, you could stick it out hoping for better days, or consider branching out. Both options are perfectly valid.
In essence, if you're yearning for a bigger piece of the pie, the first step is to devise a game plan. Start tracking your progress proactively and kick off those vital conversations before the annual reviews. And if things still don't pan out, remember - it's okay to move on. You are a powerhouse, a top-notch performer - and there will always be a place that recognizes and rewards your worth.
So, in the spirit of Rocky, get out there and "get what you're worth." Keep shining, keep striving, and most importantly, remember to enjoy this exhilarating ride. Here's to you – the champion in the making!