June 30, 2022 | In Think Piece
June 30, 2022 | In Think Piece
Have you ever been asked, “ How much do you make?”
I am sure you thought twice before giving an answer.
Most people tip-toe around the subject of money primarily because of how they are socialized, so you are not alone.
We learn early not to flaunt our wealth because not everyone has it easy (wealth is used very loosely) or to be transparent about your financial situation so you are not looked down upon.
We are constantly discouraged from discussing our personal finances- it is almost as much of a social taboo as discussing sex.
This socialization around money has led many people to develop a sense of “faux modesty”.
This is a commonly occurring conversation between two average Ghanaians rooted in this phenomenon.
Person A
Ei, you have money o. (Wow, you have a lot of money)
Person B
Amen
or
I do not have money like you are suggesting (when in fact they have three times your suggestion).
* we won't spam you, never.
22-06-2022
This week let us talk about whether how much we make, is information that our co-workers should have access to.
It might be heartbreaking to find out that your “work-bestie” is earning about 5x what you are earning in the same role; your feelings might get hurt. You might lose the motivation to work efficiently.
Feelings of jealousy or resentment towards your colleagues may arise. This conversation could cause a rift between you and your “work-bestie”.
Are you then wondering if this conversation is worth it? Not approaching the topic at all can keep you stuck in your current financial situation for a while. Think of all the ways you could benefit from having this conversation. Now that you are armed with this information let’s weigh the benefits.
This conversation can make you realize that you are vastly underpaid compared to your co-workers. In seeking a possible salary raise, this information can come in handy when considering a suitable pay range.
Also, in having a confidential discussion with a trusted co-worker, you may be intrigued to find out that your co-worker negotiated for a higher wage, unlike you.
This may be where the heartbreak starts, or you could be motivated to put in a plausible application to get a pay raise. This time you would be able to answer what your expected salary is better.
It is very okay to ask around to ensure you earn what you are worth before the extensive interview.
Nevertheless, before you begin discussing salaries, you have to be sure that the job description between you and your co-worker is the same or similar. This is because the wage difference is primarily attributed to the disparity and intensity of work one does.
Ultimately, the best people to discuss your salary with are your employers. They hired you and are in a much better position to change your situation than your co-workers are. As much as salaries are a “secret” in the workplace, it is not a conversation to run away from.
Instead, it can be a topic worth exploring to ensure everyone enjoys pay equality and fairness. Also, if you discuss with your employers and there are no changes, for various reasons, consider a side hustle; venture into entrepreneurship.
In my opinion, I do not think salaries should be discussed amongst co-workers because Ghana still has a long way to go with salary transparency; hence the conversation may not receive a warm reception. Why create hostility in your workplace when you could have avoided it?
To avoid the hustle and bustle of getting into an uncomfortable conversation about salaries, I suggest you look at Looksharp Global and know the salary ranges for the particular job you are applying for, even before the interview.
* we won't spam you, never.
22-06-2022
