5 things to do when you find out you are underpaid

In many settings, there is this unwritten rule that you should not discuss money—it's socially impolite, and at certain companies, it’s downright frowned upon. In fact, in the past, I had accepted an offer where my contract explicitly stated that I was not permitted to share my salary with my co-workers. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. I assumed that it was standard practice and focused on proving my worth in the role.

However, several weeks ago, I was sitting in my home office scrolling through WhatsApp when I stumbled upon something unsettling. A friend I had helped settle into my previous company had just received a significant raise. What caught me off guard was how low her salary was. For the sake of anonymity, I won’t mention her profession, but I KNOW for a fact that people in her role typically earn much more—far more than writers.

So when I found out she was earning considerably less than I had been as a writer in the same company, I felt a wave of sadness. A lump formed in my throat as the reality set in—she was being underpaid.

Once the initial shock wore off, I called her and shared my thoughts. We vented, then we took deep breaths, vented a little bit more, and gathered the facts. It’s easy to let emotions take over, but in this case, being strategic was our best bet.

If you’ve ever discovered that your paycheck isn’t as heavy as it should be compared to others in your field or even within your company, you're not alone. Many professionals find themselves underpaid due to a range of factors, from wage gaps to poor negotiation skills at the outset of employment. But the key question is: what do you do about it?

Assess the situation objectively

Start by comparing responsibilities, achievements, and job performance with those of your colleagues. Assess not only your job description but also your contributions to the company. Are you taking on extra tasks? Are you consistently performing at a high level? It’s important to document everything: projects you’ve completed, how they impacted the business, and any recognition you’ve received. This will serve as evidence when you approach management.

Research salary standards

The next step is to understand what others in your industry and location are earning. Websites like: Africapay.org, Worldsalaries.com, Paylab.com, Mywage.org, Glassdoor, or even LinkedIn insights provide a good starting point. However, I recommend reaching out to industry peers discreetly if possible to understand salary ranges for similar roles in your market (This is what we did).

Initiate the conversation

It can feel intimidating to walk into your boss’s office and ask for more money. But remember, if you don’t ask, the answer is always no. Armed with research and documentation, you can present a solid case.

When approaching your manager, focus on the value you bring to the company. Make it about your contributions and the market standards, rather than simply expressing dissatisfaction. By positioning the conversation this way, you show that you’re focused on fairness, not just asking for a raise because you want more money.

Prepare for different outcomes

Unfortunately, not every company will respond to your request immediately. If the answer is no, don’t lose hope. Instead, ask for a timeline—when can the conversation be revisited? You could also negotiate for other perks like additional vacation days, professional development opportunities, or a more flexible work schedule if a raise isn’t on the table right away. This shows that you're willing to work with them but still value your worth.

Know when to move on

If, after some time, the company continues to undervalue you, it may be time to start looking elsewhere. It’s never easy to realise that you’re underpaid, but it’s even harder to stay in a place where your value isn’t recognised. The job market may seem daunting, but THERE ARE companies and freelance opportunities out there looking for someone with your exact skill set. 

At the end of the day, being underpaid is more than just about money—it’s about self-worth. You deserve to be compensated fairly for your hard work and talent. Whether you negotiate a raise in your current role or take your skills elsewhere, remember that knowing your value and advocating for it is one of the most empowering things you can do for your career. You got this! 

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