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You know that you are being exploited by your employer, you've determined that what you are contributing to them is far more than they are contributing to you. It seems like your days are dark. Well, there is a silver lining to your current cloud, and it's time to mine that silver!

First, you are an asset to your company! If you were not, then you would not be exploited. Most employees feel they are over-worked and underpaid, but for most Americans, the opposite is true. The trend in America is to punch the clock and do the least you can possibly do to survive, but then expect regular raises and benefit increases because "you've done your time". These employees are NOT being exploited. The employees that are exploited are those that volunteer for extra assignments, work unpaid overtime, and those that work harder, but get paid less than their counterparts.

While this means you are being treated unfairly, it also gives you power in the workplace. You are gold in a world of lead, and chances are excellent that you will be very difficult to replace. If you know that you can be easily replaced, then you are not being exploited, or else you are part of a whole class of people being exploited. You are simply working harder than you want to, for less than you want to. In this case, you need to find a job that will treat you fairly.

But for those that are being exploited, realize your value, and cash in on it. This does not mean "Give me a raise/promotion or I walk!" which puts everyone involved in a bad position. Even if threats like this work, they create ill will and put your future in jeopardy. What cashing in on your value means is that you have done your homework (http://www.helium.com/tm/83928 3/being-exploited-figuring-exa ctly) and figured out what you are worth to your company. If you approach the company properly, you WILL get what you deserve!

Note that there are some companies that will not pay anyone what they are worth, but this is simple supply and demand. They have decided that they can pay less and find someone to do the work. If this is the case, then you have less worth to them. In almost every case like this, another company doing the same thing will happily take you and pay you properly, have no fear.

If you respectfully approach your bosses and human resource department, gather support documentation that shows what you contribute (if you do not know how to gather this, find out!), and spell out where you are shining above and beyond what is expected, only a very foolish company will not yield to your demands. In this case, you MUST aim high. Provide them a figure that will make you VERY happy, because in nearly every case, you will not get what you ask for. But also in nearly every case, if you deserve it, you will get a raise/promotion.

Those employees that are continually exploited are only those employees that allow their company to get away with it. If you make sure that your employer knows that YOU know your value, you can be sure that they will recognize it as well. Continue making sure that you are compensated properly for your work, and you will not be exploited again. Your employer will move on to an easier target with less self-esteem.

Note that any employee who is being harassed or mistreated is not being exploited. This isn't the time to look for a raise, it's the time to look for a lawyer. You will almost never be able to make a situation like that work to your advantage without counsel of some sort, and just as above, you should not allow your company/boss/co-worker to get away with it.

Learn more about this author, Benjamin Lomax.
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