Competition in the workplace is commonplace, and for most of us, it is hard to resist the temptation to compare ourselves and our job performance to our co-workers. So, what can you do when you find out that your co-worker is making more money that you? Well, if you have already accepted the job, there isn't much you can do aside from asking for a raise. But, there are some possible explanations for why they are making more than you. Here are some different possibilities:
- They negotiated a better deal- Several years ago I started a new job with a large company. In our training class we started talking about money and I found out that most of the new hires were making more money than me because when they were offered the job and salary they negotiated for more. Me, I took what they offered and was happy about it. Developing good negotiation skills can help you get a better deal, but there is a lot to be said for being happy with what you got.
- The job market has changed since they were hired- This can be especially true if there is some time difference between when you both started with the company. In a competitive job market, employers don't have to pay as much to attract good employees. Maybe your co-worker was hired in a tighter market when employers had to pay more to get the same quality of applicant.
- They may be more qualified. Perhaps they have a skill or a degree that is more valuable to the company.
- You might not be as good as you think you are. Often, when two people are doing a similar job, it may not be obvious that one of them has more experience and training. It is easy to think that you are both producing the same quality of work, but that may not be the case. Take a closer look.
Regardless of the reason, it isn't good for your own mental health to compare yourself to others. There will always be people who are achieving more than you, and those who are achieving less. The main thing is that you are happy with the job you are doing and the compensation you are receiving. If you feel that you are being treated unfairly, you might want to do a little research to see how your pay rate measures up to the average for you field and position. Unless it is less than the average, your only option may be to find out what you need to do to qualify for a raise.
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By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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