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Career
How I Tripled
My Salary In 10 Weeks
by Debra Hill
Last year, I started a new job with eagerness and readiness. I was recently divorced and recuperating from financial ruin. In ten short weeks, I went from a clerk making $9.50 an hour to an administrative assistant making $28.50 an hour. Here’s how I did it. I…
- Became known for my flexibility. My duties changed four times in one month and I never complained.
- Showed a dedication to duty that went above and beyond the paycheck. I wasn’t in a hurry to rush out the door, and I pitched in eagerly whenever I saw the need.
- Governed what I said and who I said what to. I didn’t like the way my boss talked to others, but I never discussed it with anyone.
- Acquired a reputation for honesty and kindness. I smiled at everyone, regardless of their temperament.
- Admitted when I was wrong and took credit when I was right. I was not afraid to make a mistake or speak up for myself.
- Always sought advice and direction from those I admired. I made it a point to seek advice often from the big boss on my career goals, and other office matters.
- Showed confidence in my ability to perform, and was always looking for an opportunity to shine.
- Practiced being succinct and plain-spoken, and I was respectful of higher authority…but not intimidated.
- Was assertive, but not aggressive. I spoke up when necessary but made sure my comments and/or suggestions were non-critical and in the best interest of the company.
- Stood to be corrected, though it was sometimes embarrassing, and apologized for the error.
- Shared the glory and mentioned the slightest help or assistance that I received from others on any given project.
- Ventured forth even when I was afraid that my ideas might be rejected, and most times they were not.
- Was open to criticism, regardless of the source. I learned to say “Thank you for your input,” even when I didn’t agree.
- Was tough-minded and didn’t fall over every time my hand got slapped, if I was misjudged or misunderstood. I took it all in stride.
- Was efficient and results-oriented. I worked like I had part ownership in the business.
- Was never late or absent. I was quick to do what needed to be done…when it needed to be done.
- Kept an open mind to ideas that were different from my own.
- Wasn’t afraid to admit what I didn’t know. I asked questions if I didn’t understand.
- Accepted what I couldn’t change. I spent no time and energy complaining about standards and procedures beyond my control. I adapted to the rules and played the game as it was expected of me.
My actions paid off, because the bosses took notice when a highly-regarded administrative assistant left the company, and I was asked to fill her shoes at triple the salary.