by Sue E

Created on: January 19, 2009

In this day and age, hard work does not automatically translate to more money. There are many reasons why spending extra hours does not pack more dollars in your wallet. Here are some reasons and suggestions to make changes.

Time Management

Working hard is not always efficient and even being efficient may not be effective. Hard work could mean spending long hours, being unable to focus and manage time. Understanding priorities, being clear about why something is important, when a project is due and consequences of slipping dates are important. Knowing there is a problem is halfway to the solution, so if you spend long hours at work, take a step back and see if its possible to work smart, plan and schedule better.

Visibility

Hard work is sometimes not visible to the employer. Extreme modesty may not be a virtue in the work place. Its vital to showcase one's achievements and extra hours to the management, without taking credit for others' work or constantly tooting one's horn at every possible opportunity. In short, be specific about the nature of the work being done and how long you've been working, at an opportune moment.

Self Esteem and Deservability

Most of the time, people are paid below their worth because of deservability. Low confidence levels can come in way, when its time to negotiate money. Many people seem to agree that the way others see you, reflects the way you see yourself. Its a good exercise to spend a few minutes in honest self-analysis and see if valuable lessons could be learned.

Keep Records

Letters of appreciation and records of initiative and extra work should be retained and presented during performace reviews and while trying to get new clients, to help employers appreciate one's worth.

Calculated Risks

If you love what you do, you don't notice the hours pass by. Hard work, in that case, is enjoyable. If the work you do, is a reward in itself, money does not seem to be an issue. Most of the time, if you enjoy what you do, money flows easily and effortlessly. If work seems like a drag and if your Monday mornings are filled with anxiety, stress and tension, it may be time to think of a part time job of interest and gradually withdraw from the unfulfilling job.

In conclusion, noticing that you are working hard for little is significant in itself. It brings forth important questions such as, "Is this what I want to spend my time doing?", "Do I have low self esteem issues?", "How to earn more money spending same hours doing something else?", "Am I a good fit for who I work for?". Finding honest answers to those questions may just be impetus towards inspired action and an enjoyable work life.

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