Don't Sell Yourself Short

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I’ve only told one person this, and when I did, I realize how much I wanted it to happen.

By the end of 2018, I want to be a full-time creative entrepreneur, working for myself. Now that another few hundred people know, the race is on to get to that point. I have several ideas in the pipeline on how to do this, I just need to gain some focus and settle down on an idea (because I have plenty of ideas, but no idea how to start on any of them, to be honest).
That being said, when it comes to moving to this full-time creative gig, I’ll obviously need to replace my income that I’ll receive from a regular job.
Right now I’m in the middle of looking for a full-time job and that involves salary expectations and wages. Boring things, right? But my six months in politics taught me a few things about money.

1. Don’t Sell Yourself Short

As I’ve looked for a new job, I’ve given myself a bump in the salary expectation. The hours I put in during the election were poorly paid (as many jobs in politics are – unless you’re in Congress), and I learned my lesson. Living off what little money I had taught me what I really spend month by month, and what I need to do to build up my savings again.
That being said, sometimes places will try to negotiate you down. If you’re negotiating and do go high, that’s okay.
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But know what you’re worth beforehand and refuse to budge from that. You’re worth it. We’re all worth it. Stand up for yourself and hold your own.
Unsure how to know what you’re “worth?” You’re worth more than your number, but take a look at your past salaries plus your living expenses. You’ll want to save money, so be sure to account that as an “expense.”
While some jobs are worth taking a pay cut, early in your career when you’re barely getting by, I wouldn’t suggest it.
When it comes to job offers and salaries, remember, if they’re offering you a job, they want you. They see a future for you. I know as a woman it can be intimidating to negotiate on behalf of yourself (I know I am), but you are worth fighting for. You are worth fighting for yourself.
Prepare yourself ahead of time (TheMuse has a fantastic article about negotiating), and bring passion to your argument, but be classy and graceful too.
Use that to your advantage and don’t sell yourself short.
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