I have been working on our family budget this week. Ugh. It is way more daunting than a resume.
Yesterday, I got so fed up with the process that I ditched the task completely and took another approach. I’ll just make more money. Then I would not need a budget at all. I would totally free up the weekend.
Now, any economist (or fan of Till Debt Do Us Part) will tell you that how much money you make has nothing to do with the act of budgeting. But as a recruiter, I know that thinking about how to make more money is definitely a positive action.
So how do you make more money?
Just working harder in your current role is not enough unless you are working on commission and slacking off every day. If that’s the case, then get off the couch and go to work.
For most of us, it’s a little more complicated.
Does your current role have room to make more? Is there a bonus based on some personal achievements? Could you focus specifically on those for a while to get some payoff?
If there is no opportunity for a greater financial reward, is there a career move within the organization that pays more? Could you leverage what you know and do in your current situation for some gains? If so, start networking internally to see how best to position yourself for consideration.
Sometimes, you have to leave an organization to increase your value. It’s sad but sometimes it takes a new group of people to look at your skills and experience with fresh eyes to really appreciate what you bring to the table. This is especially true if you have been with a company for a long time. Managers typically see you as you were when you joined, not necessarily as who you are and what you have accomplished today.
So open your eyes and take a look around to see what you can do to improve your lot. It is a hot market. There are lots of opportunities for growth and reward. When you arrive in your new tax bracket, make sure you stick to that budget so you can really make it mean something.
Recruiter's Couch 