If you're not satisfied with your pay, don't just complain about it!

I was watching a talk show recently and off the cuff, the host said she was not paid enough for this gig. What? Edit, edit! I actually could not believe she said that on national television. Being in the business of staffing, hiring and placing people in jobs, and sometimes out of jobs, I felt like giving her some advice. Of course I can’t, but I certainly can write about it, just in case anyone reading this is contemplating saying “I am not paid enough for this”, out loud. If you really believe, which most people do, that you are not paid enough, here is what you can do about it!

Read, research, and communicate! Take another look at your job description, many people do not ever go back to read it once they have accepted the job. Be sure the expectations are indeed what you agreed to accept. If not, you have a starting point. If you do not have a job description, create one based on what you are doing in the position, including the objective of the job. Do you know what the objective is of your position? Are you doing that, or more, or less? Next, go online and check out wages, job descriptions, and titles that match yours. Major job boards, statistics Canada, and staffing agencies have loads of resources for you, including accurate salary ranges for various job titles, and descriptions of what these positions usually entail. Factual, current research is a great piece of ammunition, if you need it. This information will help you decide whether you are out to lunch, or if you might actually deserve a raise or even a new job altogether.

Lastly, with this information, you are ready to talk to your boss, in private! My goodness, please do not go blabbing out in public that you are not paid enough! If the job is worth more, you may have some valid information to bring to the boss based on a solid argument.

If your boss catches you saying that you are not paid enough to anyone other than him or her, you will likely be told to go find another job elsewhere. I could certainly find someone great to take over for a talk show host who feels she is underpaid. Sounds like a dream job for someone who may take less money for the chance to meet celebrities, be one herself, take tons of time off during the non-recording seasons, work a few hours a day, and get into any restaurant without a reservation! Not sure if any of that is in her job description though.