Chapter 1: The Intrusiveness of Pay Discussions

When someone inquires about my salary, I often feel a strong urge to react negatively. This isn't merely due to the inappropriateness of the question, but primarily because it reduces my value to a mere figure. Do you share this sentiment? Recently, my perspective has evolved. Is your salary genuinely reflective of your worth?

I have come to realize that my compensation does not signify my intrinsic value, but rather my dedication to my work. It represents how much of my life I am willing to invest in my job. After over two decades in various roles and forming friendships with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, I’ve observed that the disparity in salaries for identical roles often hinges on how much effort we are prepared to invest.

It’s not truly about our worth. The experience, skills, and knowledge we possess cannot simply be purchased; their value is contingent upon our willingness to enhance them with dedication. Consider the culinary world: a dish lacks flavor without seasoning, just as our contributions need commitment to truly shine.

When we go above and beyond in our roles, we become invaluable assets to our employers. Conversely, possessing exceptional skills while only meeting the minimum requirements means we are merely fulfilling a role without adding significant value. Neither approach is inherently right or wrong, but equating our worth with our salary is certainly misguided.

Chapter 2: The Impact of Commitment on Perceived Value

In my recent experiences on Medium, I’ve encountered numerous stories about individuals earning significant income through prolific writing. The underlying message resonates: the more effort we invest—be it in writing or in our jobs—the greater our perceived worth becomes. This is often evident during interviews, where our commitment can substantially influence our negotiation power.

As a competitive individual, I’ve often struggled with the impulse to compare my salary with others, especially when they disclose their earnings unsolicited. Such comparisons are typically rooted in a desire to ensure we are not undervalued, but they can lead to an unsettling internal dialogue: “Why am I receiving less? Is there something fundamentally flawed about me?”

As we navigate our educational journeys with peers, we start off on equal footing. However, once we transition into the realm of personal choices and experiences, our paths diverge. Some individuals dedicate themselves to their dream careers, while others seek balance, prioritizing relationships and job satisfaction. Still, others are focused on achieving stability amidst life's challenges. Ultimately, while everyone receives compensation, it is life itself that pays us based on where we direct our energies. The currency isn't solely monetary; it's also about happiness.

The first video, "How Much Are You Worth?" explores the broader implications of self-worth beyond just salary, encouraging viewers to reflect on their values and commitments.

The second video, "How Much Are You Worth?" dives into personal narratives that highlight the significance of intrinsic value and self-assessment in our lives.