The gender wage gap issue is a consistent one in the history of the United States. According to a Pew Research Center analysis, women earned only 83 percent of what men earned in 2015. This means that women earned just 83 cents for each dollar earned by men. In fact, for the women business owners these statistics were even below 83 percent. Surprisingly, businesswomen earned only 80 percent, i.e. 80 cents for each dollar made by their male counterparts, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This shows that it would take 44 days of extra work to be at par with the revenue generated by men as of 2015. Let’s leave aside the statistics for now. A major question that needs to be asked to all hardworking female counterparts is that – Do you know your worth? Do you get paid according to your full potential?

Realize and Know Your Worth Ladies

Rosie the Riveter – Girl Power Icon of the United States

If you think that you are getting paid for your worth, then maybe it’s time to seriously consider some facts. Bear in mind that you are not getting the optimum value of your potential. You are the one who shows your worth to customers and clients. You control your destiny. Well, it is as simple as clearly defining your worth and confidently communicating your value.

It’s the simplest equation to follow. Firstly, you need to know your worth and define it. For that enquire your own self. Ask questions like –

What do you love about your work?

Do you think you give 100 percent to your job?

What do you do that no one else does?

What unique skills do you have?

What value do you add by your work and problem solving abilities?

These questions will definitely enlighten you about your actual worth. Once you have realized your worth, go ask for its value. Typically, some women are not comfortable communicating their value. Tamed by a male dominant society, they give lame reasons like they have just started working, they may not deserve it or they will get it when it’s the right time.

Your Personality Speaks for You

But again, Why? Your doubts and fears cost you almost 20 cents. How can you let uncertainty define your value? Do not let your insecurity of being a women worker affect your earning potential.

Moreover, it is not only words that you communicate with. Your body language, tone, and style also portray an image of your worth. Your personality has a voice that reveals confidence. Find your value, believe in it, and let your voice speak that for you. You only need to focus on adding value through your work. Yes, you have to let your work speak for itself. But that does not mean you dread being confident about your worth. Once you go ask for your value confidently, you will observe that people will feel inferior, not you. A lot of power and strength lies in acceptance. People will readily pay you for your worth given that you start being open about accepting nothing but the deserved value.

Believe in Yourself and Your Worth

The feeling of being small and inferior is related to roots beyond the realm of financial aspect, into the cores of self-esteem and confidence. By believing that you actually deserve your worth, will you be able to communicate without any jitters.

To all the hardworking women, it’s time to give up on false, baseless, illogical notions. Simply connect with your worth and ask for the value. As Casey Brown says in a TED talk, no one will pay you for what you are actually worth. People will only pay you for what they think you are worth.

Remember, what you allow is what will continue. Never Settle for Less Than what You Deserve.

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