Conversations with The Boogieman Part 3 - Money
by Carol Bowser
Let's talk money.
Most people are very, very, very uncomfortable talking about money.
Maybe you were raised that speaking about money was rude.
Maybe you were raised to say “thank you” and accept what was offered.
Maybe you believe that employers or clients will automatically pay you what you are worth.
Maybe you doubt how much you are worth so you low-ball yourself.
For most people, the money conversation is a very uncomfortable scary conversation.
That is precisely why becoming comfortable with a money conversation makes you more empowered.
The key to becoming competent if not totally comfortable in the money conversation is preparation, preparation, preparation.
First- Know Your Money Story.
Take a few minutes and recall how money (or the lack of) was dealt with in your family growing up. Was there enough? Was money talked about? If it was talked about how was it talked about? Did you even know where the money came from?
Consider what beliefs you may have developed around money and earning growing up. Jot those thoughts down. It is highly likely that those early memories of how money was addressed in your house hold impact how you feel and deal with money today.
For example, was there a specific budget for food that if the food budget was not adhered to there would be empty cupboards at the end of the week? Consequently, you are now very budget and spending conscientious. Alternatively, was spending on food and necessities something that was just taken for granted so that you are ok picking up a “few extras” is a non-event?
Second-Articulate the end result you want.
Are you looking for the amount that you are paid to validate your worth? To add to the household income? To support the family during the inevitable transition period from Military to civilian life?
Start with the why you want it then put a number on it. WARNING- what you want to get paid or what you need to earn may or may not be in line with the fair market value for our work. Most civilian employer and clients are not concerned with how much you need to make. They are concerned with the value that you bring.
Third-Know Your Worth.
Your services have a monetary value. It is important to know what the market in your area pays for your services. There are some great resources for you to research.
https://www.onetonline.org/ A great resource for career exploration and job analysis. Including which careers are trending, skills and education needed, AND rates of pay. Be advised this is a nationwide site. The pay trends in your city may be different. Most states via the department of labor may have better local statistics.
Know that the rates of compensation for independent contractors are different than employees. If you are curious about what other entrepreneurs charge, ask around. Investigate local professional organizations or join LinkedIn groups. Connect with other NMSN members. If we don't know, we will try to figure out who you should talk to.
Remember, no one is more invested in your financial success than you are. Develop a confidence in talking about money to achieve your goals.
Organizations hire Conflict Management Strategies, Inc. to increase productivity by easing workplace conflict and tension, to train employees in conflict resolution skills, to evaluate internal conflict resolution processes, to coach key employees to higher levels of performance and to facilitate tangible change within the working environment.
Editor's note- this is the third in a series Carol is writing on which address challenging conversations.
Conversations With The Boogieman-Part 1
Conversations With The Boogieman_Part II
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