Here’s a tip on how to get a higher paying jobs that you dreamed of.
There’s probably more potential in your present job. Most people don’t realize that they can get more out of their
present job-by putting more into it! You may think that the only way to get a big money job is by going to another job somewhere, but the truth is that if the fault is in you, changing jobs won’t help!
So before you go looking for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, take a good look at yourself. Are you really doing all you could to help your employer right now? Or are you stuck in a rut, just doing whatever you have to do to get by? If the latter, it’s no wonder the boss isn’t giving you any raises, or only those token 5% raises that don’t keep up with inflation.
If you have the possibility to make a substantial difference in your output, whether of quality or quantity, then do it. NEVER take the attitude “well, why should I put out for what he’s paying me?” because, that way, he never will pay you any more. You’ve got to take the first step. He’s got to see that you’re worth more. And don’t think that you ought to get it because you’ve got five hungry kids at home, while Bill has only one skinny wife to take care of. That is totally irrelevant. You’re not paid because you need it, but because the boss needs you. And if you ever do get more than Bill, it’ll only be because you worked for it.
Do you really have the cards in your hand?
Now if your objective appraisal makes it clear to you that you are already doing a super job for your employer, and
that you are vitally needed to do that job, then you may hold the cards in your hand right now to get a really good
raise, a longer vacation, better medical coverage, etc., etc. But even if you hold the hand, don’t overplay it. If you back the boss up against a wall, or are offensive about it, his natural defensive instincts will come into play immediately, and he may decide to get rid of you even though he knows you’re good, and that your dismissal will cause him considerable loss, agony and delay. Make it easy for him to say “yes”, but leave him a graceful way to say “no”, at least temporarily, without severing relations. Both of you have got to “save face”, in the oriental sense, which is more applicable to the U.S. than we usually realize or admit. Don’t tell him you’ve got another job offer if you haven’t (unless you’re the kind of reckless poker player who likes to go for broke), because that doesn’t leave you any way to retreat and keep your present job if your boss refuses to meet the theoretical new boss’s offer. You just can’t lose that much face-to grove in the dirt and admit you were bluffing.
If you quit a job, quit gracefully!
If, on the other hand, you do have a new job offer at more money (and, we must assume, at better or equivalent benefits), then don’t just quit your present job right off without notice or in any sort of impolite way. The only person you hurt by doing that is yourself. Because if you handle it properly, explain that you’re leaving because you have a much better offer, and that you’ll be glad to stick around until your replacement’s hired, and help him get acquainted, etc., not only will you leave a pleasant taste in everyone’s mouth, assure yourself of a good reference if you should need one later, and not screw up your final check or your accrued vacation pay and sick leave, etc., but, and this is the important but, your boss will have time to think it over without feeling threatened or blackmailed by you, and he may decide that you’re just too valuable to lose, and make you a counter-offer of even more than the raise the new job offered you.
What to do if you’re in a no-future job!
But if, on the other hand, your objective appraisal leads you to the conclusion that there isn’t any future for you with your present employer, and assuming you don’t have another job offer right in your hand, then don’t sit back and wait to be offered one, because you know that won’t happen in a thousand years-instead, go out and get one for yourself. Get moving!
Start, of course, by reading the classified ads, not only in your hometown paper, but also in out-of-town papers from cities you wouldn’t mind relocating to (these newspapers can always be purchased at some major downtown newsstand in your own city).
If you don’t see the job you want advertised, try placing your own ad, classified, or even, if you are ambitious, display. Tell them about yourself, not only your official and/or technical qualifications and/or achievements, but also the special qualities which make you especially good for the job you are seeking. Sell yourself-you’re the only one that can do so.
