Chapter 19: Earn What You’re Worth

“It’s not just about the money,” women all over the world say, inadvertently launching a Scud missile directly through their salary negotiations. “Of course I want to be paid fairly,” they continue, “but I really want to do interesting work/use this job to advance my career/ make a difference/feel valued and so on.” Even if they don’t make the mistake of voicing these sentiments out loud, this is often how their self-talk goes. Women often think that negotiating for themselves and their remuneration is somehow tasteless, and that being driven by such a selfish motive will lessen a decision-maker’s interest in them for the job.

But, in fact, the opposite is true. By not negotiating hard for remuneration, women send the message that they don’t have the confidence to stick up for themselves. The money discussion is a key opportunity to demonstrate confidence in your skills, knowledge and experience, and what you believe you are worth. This is a key area to focus on to ensure that you achieve the success and rewards you deserve as you develop your career.

Unless you are independently wealthy or an heiress with significant expectations, there is a pretty reasonable chance that money is one of the main reasons you work. Yes, there’s that dirty little five-letter word. Money. It not only makes the world go round, it pays the bills, buys the food, dictates what type of house you live in, the holidays you can afford and, one day, what type of retirement you will enjoy. It is important for your lifestyle. Career Chicks are also driven by the desire to achieve and no doubt you want to make a difference, be valued and advance your career. But chances are that you do need to earn money to live. If you must work, you may as well optimise the amount of money you make to support the lifestyle that is important to you.

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Copyright Karen Adamedes 2009