Have you ever stopped to consider just how much money you’re losing by accepting a job that doesn’t pay you what you’re worth? You might think you’re getting ahead by securing a job offer, but in reality, you could be costing yourself more than you realize.
Let’s break it down.
The True Cost of Low Pay: It’s Not Just a Salary
Imagine this: You’ve spent weeks in the hiring process, interviewing with multiple people—7 different ones to be exact—only to put together an impressive media kit or presentation, all while juggling your current job, family, or other commitments. After hours of preparation, they decide to go with someone else. But wait, even if you had landed the job, would it have been worth it?
Let’s say the offer is $40,000 a year. On the surface, it might look decent, but have you factored in your real life costs?
Real Costs of Living
- Rent/Mortgage: Housing alone could take up 30-40% of your paycheck.
- Gas/Commute Time: Your daily commute doesn’t just eat away at your gas tank; it’s also taking away your time.
- Car Maintenance: More driving = more wear and tear, which means higher maintenance costs.
- Food: Between work lunches, groceries, and eating out, food costs can easily drain a big chunk of your paycheck.
- Family Needs: If you have a family, you’re looking at even more expenses—school fees, childcare, extracurricular activities.
- Extracurriculars: Your hobbies and passions aren’t cheap either, but they’re necessary for your mental health and well-being.
Add these up and suddenly that $40,000 starts to look a lot less promising.
What’s Left Over?
When you factor in all of these costs, what’s left of your salary? Not much, if anything. In fact, many people who accept jobs with low pay often find themselves needing a side hustle just to make ends meet. Maybe you’ve thought, “I’ll do Uber Eats or freelance work on the weekends to supplement my income.” But is that sustainable?
Not only are you trading in your nights and weekends for extra work, but you’re also sacrificing your personal time and mental health. Why should you have to work multiple jobs just to cover your basic living expenses?
The Cost of Your Time
Let’s not forget the time you spent preparing for the job you didn’t get. Those 3 hours in interviews with 7 different people, plus the hours spent putting together a media kit or work samples, are all hours of unpaid labor. You’ve already given so much of your time and energy—only to be told “thanks, but no thanks.”
Are you tired of being tired? At what point do you stop giving so much of yourself to jobs that don’t give back?
Time to Stop Settling: Ask for What You Deserve
So, what is it going to take for you to earn the courage to stop giving a fuck and ask for what you deserve? Employers ask for your time, your energy, your skills, and your dedication, but if they’re not willing to compensate you fairly, it’s time to say no.
You are worthy of more than just scraping by. Your time is valuable. Your skills are valuable. If a company can’t see that, then they’re not the right fit for you.
Know Your Worth, Then Add Tax
Before accepting that next job offer, ask yourself:
- How much do I need to actually live comfortably?
- What is the cost of my commute, my time, and my energy?
- Will this salary allow me to save for the future, or will it keep me stuck in survival mode?
If the answer isn’t satisfactory, walk away. Ask for the raise. Demand what you deserve. Because the real cost of accepting a job that doesn’t pay enough is much higher than just a lower paycheck—it’s your time, your energy, and your well-being.
So, the next time you’re offered a job that doesn’t meet your financial needs, remind yourself: You are worth more. Don’t settle.
And don’t forget to add tax. Nickel Up, Not Down! If you’re offered $40K, ask for $45K! It’s time to get into the habit of always asking for at least $5,000 more.
