Originally Posted by QUIKAG,Jul 31 2008, 12:10 PM

You misunderstood what I was saying and that is probably my fault. What I was trying to say was that if you aren't happy with what you're getting paid and you think the man is giving you the shaft, then go work somewhere else or work harder so you're paid more in the future.

Comparing yourself to others within the company is too shortsighted in my opinion. Find out what you're worth in the market and if you're company isn't paying adequately, then get another job offer and tell your current company that you're leaving. If they care enough to keep you, then tell them what it will take.

Here is my whole point. Let's say I was making $50k out of school and I knew a few of my peers were making $54k and a few were making $48k or whatever. If I wasted my time worrying about what others were making and not focusing on the important stuff (like working hard, getting experience, getting additional certifications/training and other more important things in life) then I would not be where I'm at today. My peers back at my original company are probably making $90-110k now based on current salary rates in their industry. I am in a different industry now and am quite happy where I'm at relative to my former peers.

I know it's a bit idealistic, but don't let your peer group be your focus and define who you are or what you're worth. Break out of the mold.