I am one of those true workaholics. And to be clear, that’s not something I’m proud of. I simply love my job and I love working but I often get so absorbed that I forget what’s happening around me. Many times, it has happened that it was raining outside, there was a storm , and I only realize it when someone comes into my office soaked. And my entire wall is made of windows. Just as I forget about the outside world, I also forget about myself.
In my career, there was one event that changed me forever.
A competitor offered me almost double the salary I was making at the time. When I told my then-boss, he immediately gave me the same salary just so I wouldn’t leave. Not only that, I also got some other benefits. Same me. Same office. Same boss. But suddenly, I was worth twice as much. Nothing had changed, except that I had proof of my own value in my hands. My boss already knew it; he just didn’t have a reason to pay more until I showed that I did. I was lucky. The competition made me aware.
Have you ever noticed how people treat sale bins? They dig through them, toss items around, don’t care much. Why? Because the price is low, and with it, the sense of value disappears. But when you buy a dress for 500 euros, you handle it carefully, check the label, take care of it. If you allow yourself to be treated like discounted goods, don’t be surprised if frustrations are high and raises rare. Employers, when it comes to raises, often react the same way people react when prices go up.
Just like a bottle of water that costs a few cents in a supermarket but five euros at the airport , your value doesn’t depend solely on you, but also on where you choose to stand. And that’s why you must find a place that understands your worth.
Today, when I hire people, I am often reminded of my own story. Even during an interview, you can sense which direction it’s going. The line is clear, many kind, very talented people simply do not value themselves as much as they should. Meanwhile, the loud ones, with exaggerated CVs… you can immediately see how paper and reality differ. The loud often sell smoke, while the truly valuable often remain silent, waiting for someone to notice their shine. But in the market, silence has a low price.
I can’t tell valuable people at the table to ask for more. But when we select them, over time, I show them how to stand up for themselves. It ruffles feathers at the top, and that's okay. Because I know my worth. My real concern is that moment when a valuable person reaches their breaking point. Because when enough injustice and dissatisfaction builds up, people don't ask for a raise, they look for the exit. And I don't want them to leave. I want them to stay, to grow, and to know that someone here sees their true worth before a competitor has to prove it to them.
The way you value yourself is the only manual others use to judge you. Your market value rarely depends on how hard you work, and almost always depends on how you position yourself.
Value is not just in the object. The price carries a message.
And you - do you really know what you’re worth?
#SelfWorth #Leadership #CareerGrowth #KnowYourValue #WorkCulture #Authenticity #InnerStructure #StandUpForYourself #CareerAdvice