Give Me My Check
Beyonce’s first few lines of “Apeshit” was a true word. Our good sis stated “Give Me My Check, Put Some Respect On My Check” with her entire chest and meant it. I’m not surprised because Beyonce has always advocated for women to get paid equally to their male counter parts. There’s nothing worse then working a job and finding out that a male co-worker is making ten times more than you when you might have more experience or an extra degree. You remember when Molly from “Insecure” found out that her white male co-worker was making more than her even though she worked twice as hard? It sucks and despite the increased push for equality among the sexes, the gender pay gap hasn’t narrowed in recent years.
When it comes to salary negotiations and pay raises, it’s important that we walk into these situations knowing our worth and prepared to fight for what’s rightfully ours. If you’re unsure of how to handle salary negotiations or how to advocate for your pay raise, here’s a few tips to help navigate the conversation:
When they officially offer you the job and give you an offer letter, don’t accept it right away. Take some time and think about it.
Research the position and see how much it normally pays compared to what they offered you.
If you think the initial offer amount is low, aim for for higher number in hopes that they will meet you in the middle.
I know this isn’t encouraged but talk to your co-workers or the person who previously held the position and see what they were being paid. This knowledge will help in salary negotiations and keep you from getting screwed over.
If you receive push back on your asking salary or feel that your raise isn’t sufficient enough, make sure to list all of your hard work and accomplishments. Remind them of your value to the company.
If you don’t feel like your being valued at your place of work, bounce. Go where you’re going to be appreciated and not tolerated.
My father always tells me to never accept what people hand you the first time in any situation. Every time that I’ve entered into a salary discussion, I’ve applied this mindset. I think we get excited at new opportunities and jobs that we don’t see the small crumbs that they are trying to give us. We deserve more and its’ not fair that Billy Bob is making more than you when he only has an associates degree. Don’t let these people play you.
KNOW YOUR WORTH AND TAX. You deserve it.
