Are you unhappy with your salary? Do you usually feel disappointed when you get your paycheck? Are you tired of eating on the cheap every day? Payday should be exciting. You shouldn’t have to worry about your finances each time you receive your salary. If payday gets you down, it might be time for you to start looking for a better paying job.
But how can you know for sure? Here are 5 tell-tale signs that you need to get paid better:
1. You’ve developed FOMO
FOMO, or the Fear Of Missing Out, is a common feeling among people. What most folks don’t know, however, is that a growing sense of FOMO could be a sign that you’re simply not making enough money.
Look at it this way: You could feel like you’re missing out on fun times with your friends. They might talk about that awesome time they had last night at the pub, and you weren’t there. Or they could have all planned a trip together without inviting you.
The thing is, a lot of these activities, you might not have been able to join anyway because you didn’t have enough money. What’s worse, experts have found that people tend to involve their lower-income friends less because they understand that those friends can’t afford to join them.
A lot of the fun things in life work around keeping up with your friends. If you’re feeling left out because you can’t keep up with them financially, it might be time to look for a salary increase.
2. You’re getting frustrated
Are you getting tired of knowing that you can’t do a lot of things? You can’t afford to spoil yourself a little with a new phone, or buy your family gifts for Christmas, or simply even have a nice dinner out? Is it starting to frustrate you?
It’s easy to understand why people can have short tempers when their money’s always coming up short. Keeping a stable paycheck is tough enough as it is, but when that paycheck isn’t even enough to keep you happy? That’s a telling sign that you need to get paid more.
3. Your friends are telling you you’re underpaid
You’ll know that your pay scale isn’t good when your friends are saying you aren’t earning enough. Most people don’t even mention this stuff because it might come off as rude. But if someone takes that risk because he or she’s concerned about how you’re doing in life, you know you’ve got serious money issues.
It’ll help to get the opinion of other people, especially those who work in similar jobs or industries. Find out how much people in your position are making on average. Try to learn how much work you’re really putting into your job, and see if you’re getting paid enough for it.
Sometimes, an outside opinion is all you need to gain some insights about your salary.
4. You feel stuck
This one’s a big one. There are few things worse than the feeling that you can’t change a thing about your life, even if you tried your best to.
Does this sound familiar to you?
This scenario is common among people who live from paycheck to paycheck on a low salary. If you think you’re stuck because of your finances, you’ll need to find a way to make your salary higher.
5. You believe you deserve better pay
One of the reasons you might be feeling like you’re stuck with a bad salary is because your boss might not just how valuable you are to the company. He might not know the amount and quality of work you’re putting in. He doesn’t know what you’re really worth.
And that sucks. It sucks because you know what you’re worth to the company. You know how valuable your talents are, and how impressive your work ethic is. You know you deserve better.
You’re just not getting what you deserve.
If you ever feel like this, then you’ll know it’s time to have a chat with your boss about a raise.
Did any of these situations ring a bell? Do you think you deserve better pay? Then go and get that salary you want!
Recognising the need for a better-paying job is a critical step in your career journey. If you're frequently encountering these signs, it's a clear message that your financial and professional needs are not being met. Remember, being fairly compensated isn't just about the money; it's about respect, recognition, and the ability to lead a fulfilling life. Your talents and hard work warrant appropriate rewards. Trusting your instincts and understanding your worth in the marketplace is key. When your current position leaves you financially and emotionally unsatisfied, it's more than justifiable to seek opportunities that align better with your skills, experience, and aspirations. Leaping a job that values and compensates you adequately can lead to greater job satisfaction, improved quality of life, and a more secure financial future.
Are you ready to elevate your career and step into a role that truly values your contributions? Now is the time to act. Explore our range of career development resources designed to guide you toward a more satisfying and financially rewarding job. Click here to begin assessing your options and charting a path to a role that not only meets your financial needs but also acknowledges your worth as a professional. Start your journey today and pave the way to a future where you're not just working but thriving.