Why do some people climb the career ladder so easily, while others wait years for a raise? Check if you have developed these eight habits that will definitely help you strengthen your financial situation in the long run.
Never work for free
Many new professionals seize any opportunity to try themselves in the business. Unscrupulous customers or employers can take advantage of a newcomer’s naivety and profit from their work for months. Remember that an internship should ideally be paid, especially if you perform real tasks on an equal basis with full-time employees. Experienced professionals, out of the kindness of their hearts, may also be inclined to provide free services to their connections. In such a case, there is no point in talking about good earnings. Next time, ask for at least the minimum payment, or better yet, determine in advance the amount that will allow you to work without remorse.
Increase the cost of services
Have you noticed that food prices have gone up a long time ago, but your salary level is enviably stable? That’s not right. Of course, it’s easier for freelancers – you just have to warn clients about a small indexation and continue working. At a company, the path to promotion lies through management. Explain that the salary level no longer meets your needs for objective reasons, and at the same time ask what options there are to earn more.
Maintain a budget
The habit of keeping a budget allows you to clearly see where your money is going and where it comes from. And when you have a big picture in your head, there are fewer temptations for impulsive purchases. You begin to think strategically and understand that income, like expenses, depends only on you. Financial literacy coupled with determination will definitely help you reach a new level of income.
Invest in advanced training
Regardless of the profession, first-class specialists are always valued more and occupy high positions. The habit of studying, learning new things and implementing trends in your field will pay off with a successful career: whoever knows more, gets paid more. And if advanced personnel are not valued at your place of work, it’s time to study the labor market. You need to work where you can be appreciated!
Put aside for a rainy day
The habit of saving for a rainy day will not bring you the desired increase in income in itself. But in practice, having a financial safety net will significantly help in the difficult search for a place in the sun. Understanding that you have a reserve of means of subsistence will play a decisive role in the twists and turns of fate: it will be much easier to switch to a new job. If you live from paycheck to paycheck, you are unlikely to decide to use the chance to change your life for the better.
Update your resume
Stability and confidence in the future are good. But who of the employees who were laid off could have known that this would happen? Keeping your resume up to date is not a betrayal of the company, but a sign of responsibility. In addition, on job search websites, you can indicate your current status and it is not at all necessary to be actively searching. For example, indicate that you are “considering incoming offers.” Who knows, maybe your competitors are dreaming of an employee like you and are ready to offer twice as much? After all, offers do not oblige you to anything.
Talking about work
Let’s be honest: no one likes people who talk about work for hours on end. But you shouldn’t be too secretive either. If your friends know what you do, they’ll be more likely to recommend you or contact you themselves. You don’t have to bore your friends with boring details of your workday for them to know you as a pro. But if your friends barely know what you do, consider your chance to earn more lost.
Don’t do someone else’s work
Each position implies a certain range of responsibilities, for the performance of which they are paid. Ideally, your area of responsibility should be reflected in a clear job description. If you notice that you are regularly doing someone else’s work, you should not go into direct conflict with your superiors – perhaps this is a good reason to ask for a raise. Otherwise, make a list of your responsibilities together with your employer – this way you will be able to understand what is expected of you and what you can do without.