Let's assume you're well-organized and dripping with money smarts but the money under your control is still not exactly "significant." Angry? Discouraged? Great! You're ripe for upward movement. There are a zillion ways to bring in more money. These are only a few imagination stirrers:
—Finish your schooling. A college degree will get you two-thirds more pay than a high school degree; that's a fact. And when you get that far, you may want to continue on into even higher education, with a focus that really motivates you. Do it! (This is where your bank connection will come in handy, for a student loan.)
—Look into a higher-paying job. You may have convinced yourself that you love your job and will stay put no matter what the salary, but an in-depth look at your finances may change your mind — or at least open it to the realization that you work in a "female ghetto" position, as an administrative assistant or something similar. That insight may just push you to expand your goals.
If you're thinking seriously about changing jobs or fields, look in the library for The American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries, or ask the librarian for other reference books. "What Color Is Your Parachute?" is an excellent guide when you decide to job hunt.
—Negotiate a raise. (Notice I didn't say "ask for.") Negotiating means you prepare your reasons and achievements in advance. It assumes you state your requirements clearly and concisely and begin the discussion with a positive attitude. To negotiate effectively, you must know comparable salaries in your job market. (Again, The American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries is a good resource.) Check the posted salaries in large companies in the same field or in government jobs, and don't forget classified ads, employment agencies, executive search firms and college placement offices. The first person you should turn to is a friend in a position similar to yours. And let the word go out via your network!
Note: Your employer wouldn't be discussing a raise unless your work is satisfactory, and that fact alone should give you confidence. If he or she asks why you think you're "worth" that kind of money, you can honestly answer, "That's the market value in this area." And your research will back you up!
—Become a salesperson. I'm not talking hosiery or cosmetics. I mean computer sales, high-tech sales or commercial real estate. Women are selling automobiles these days. And why not you? Yes, there's still some discrimination against women selling big-ticket items, but persuading and convincing have always been necessary for us females, because for too long our effectiveness needed to be routed through a man. We needed skills to convince him, so it's a logical evolution for women to sell in the marketplace. Think about it.
DEAR READERS: We've uncovered a treasure-trove of "Single File" paperbacks — in perfect condition, ready to read. Send $15 and your address to: Susan Deitz, C/O Creators Syndicate, 737 Third St., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. I'll send you a signed copy.
Have a question for Susan? You can reach her directly at susan@single-file.com.
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