Worth the Rate

Recently, I had a job interview. I was recommended for the interview by a very good colleague of mine. At first I was uncertain about going to the interview because with a full load of classes and two part-time jobs I wasn't sure if I would have the time or the energy for another job. I also didn't want to think about quitting a job for a potentially new job. I just didn't feel like thinking about another transition. Once I stopped over-analyzing, I realized going to the interview to be informed about a potentially promising career opportunity was a good thing.

I felt really confident the day of the interview. I was dressed really nice, it was a beautiful day, and I was just feeling really good in general. The interview was at a small institute downtown. After speaking with some of the faculty, touring the building, and meeting a few of the students I was convinced that this would indeed be a great opportunity for me. As I entered the office of the director to discuss logistics, she asked me a question that I was surprised at myself for not knowing how to answer.

"What is your rate?"

"What is your rate?" The director asked. Now as articulate as my speech had been the entire time I was there, I suddenly heard myself stumbling over my words like Porky Pig. I quickly began thinking of the last few jobs I had, and pay that I had received. I started adding up figures in my mind and doing averages, carrying ones, scratching it all out in my mind and starting over. Yup, that picture above shows exactly what was going through my head at the time! I replied with an average rate of pay based on jobs I've had in the past. I decided that number was good to go with....I guess. Wow, think about that...I measured the worth of my future based on my worth in the past! I couldn't help but to feel a little embarrassed because I felt like I wasn't confident in my reply.

I continued to think about the interview over the next few days. I was asked to email my resume to the director and I remembered that I had a few things to update. As I updated and reviewed my resume, I began thinking that the rate that I told the director that I would like to be paid was too low. I then started to feel even more regretful that I didn't say a higher rate because the truth of the matter was, even though this was a really good career move...I was worth more! I've spent several years in college, I'm working on my third degree, I've worked in my field for over a decade, and I have tons of training under my belt. When I took into account the factors that contributed to my worth I realized that the rate I gave was way too low. I began to feel anxious because I was thinking about requesting a higher amount, but I didn't know how the director would perceive my request. I slowly began to work myself up with all of these thoughts as to why my request would be seen as negative by other people. Every time I started down this road of thinking I always ended up at the conclusion that I WAS WORTH MORE. I had to remind myself that I'm not the girl working for minimum wage anymore, I'm not the girl trying to fight to earn more money because I didn't have a degree...that girl has evolved!! I'm a professional career woman. I've been an employee AND a supervisor. I'm a leader. I'm a straight A student at the top of my class. I train others how to be their best selves. I'm about to receive my PhD and the goal is to have more than I've ever had because of the hard work that I've put in. In other words...

I've done my work and paid my dues!

After looking over what I had typed about 114 times, I sent the email requesting a higher amount. I couldn't take it back now, even though after I sent it I wish I could've taken it back. At that point I realized how much I wanted this opportunity but I also wanted it to be worthwhile. Too many times we agree to things that are not worthwhile for us, even though they're good things. When I thought about my travel, the time that I would have to set aside from other obligations, and my finances the low rate that I stated didn't make the position worthwhile for me. The formal definition of worthwhile is:

Worth the time, money, or effort spent; of value or importance

This position wasn't worthwhile to me, not because of lack of interest but because of lack of insight. I didn't understand my true worth. I put myself in a position to work harder for less compensation. It's ironic because I often speak to women about knowing their worth and not settling for less concerning men. On a side note, this parallel is interesting to me because I think that's why we as women don't demand more from men. I think a lot of women are so worried about how their requests for more will be perceived that they settle for lower amounts of time, effort, and commitment from men based on past experiences. Again the message here is not understanding your true worth. Knowing your worth means that if you put in the work to invest in a potential relationship then you will benefit in the best ways possible to achieve your desired life outcome. BUT this principle applies to other areas besides relationships and this interview experience taught me that. If I wouldn't settle for a relationship that wasn't worth my time, money, or effort than I won't settle for a low pay rate that isn't worth my time, expertise, or effort. I was relieved to receive an email back from the director saying that she understood the reason for my request and said, "From my perspective, your request is very reasonable and acceptable." See...I was doing all of that EXTRA thinking for nothing! The Bible says:

"...Yet you do not have because you do not ask." James 4:2

You have to become BOLD in what you ask for because you're worth the request for more! And the scripture spells it out, if you don't ask for more you won't get it. I think the important thing to keep in mind here is YOU inform others of your worth and not the other way around. You have to know that you're worth receiving the best that life has to offer. You've worked too hard and too long to shortchange yourself. Now you may not always get what you ask for but one thing is for sure, if you don't ask for more you're guaranteed to get the minimum. I encourage you to CHALLENGE THE MINIMUM not just in an interview, not just in a relationship, but in your mindset too because it all starts there. You have to believe that you deserve the blessing that you're requesting.