Listen, sis – we need to talk about money. Specifically, we need to have an honest conversation about why so many of us are leaving money on the table during salary negotiations. According to the National Women’s Law Center, .
And while systemic racism and gender discrimination play significant roles in this disparity, there’s another factor we need to address: our tendency to undervalue ourselves. The numbers paint a stark picture. The reports that , with enrollment in college increasing by 34% between 2009 and 2019.
Yet, despite our educational achievements, the wage gap persists. Additionally, approximately $946,120 over a 40-year career. This isn’t just about external barriers – it’s about the internal ones too.
Many of us have internalized the pressure to be grateful for opportunities, to work twice as hard, and to avoid appearing “too demanding.” We’ve been conditioned to minimize our achievements and question our worth. But here’s the truth: advocating for your worth isn’t demanding – it’s necessary.
The path to securing our worth starts with understanding our value. Before walking into any negotiation, arm yourself with knowledge. Research industry standards for your role and experience level.
Know the going rates. Understand that the first number you put on the table sets the tone for the entire negotiation. Don’t just rely on general salary websites.
Tap into your network of professional Black women, especially those a few steps ahead of .