Who needs more money? That couldn’t be you. I just saw your house on Cribs the other night, right? Oh, that was Shaq’s house… Sorry. Maybe you should read this. I can’t promise you a mansion, but I can help you make more money at work. Even if your boss is a cold hearted snake, he or she won’t stand a chance against this job advice. How could they–you’re the man (or woman)!! Even if you’re not, you will be when I’m through with you. Now go get ‘em tiger.
TIP #1–BE THE “GO-TO” PERSON AT WORK
Learn all you can about your job. Be there with the right answer every time somebody has a question at work. This will help you even if your boss or manager doesn’t notice you, because word will get around that when someone has a problem, you’re the person who solves it. Think of it like passive advertising with a plus: You don’t have to kiss anybody’s big hairy full moons to look good. Once the word is on the street about your skills, you’ll be the first to get a raise.
TIP #2–BE “THE BOMB” BUT DON’T ACT LIKE IT
Who likes a know-it-all? We’ve all seen that person who’s been there and done everything–twice. I hate that guy. There’s nothing wrong with being highly skilled, but don’t put it in other peoples’ faces. What other workers think of you is just as important as what your boss thinks. Sometimes managers will actually survey other workers about your attitude, personality, and work ethic. My raises depend on the observations of 3 of my co-workers as well as my manager’s opinion, so take my advice–be careful.
TIP #3–DON’T BE A BUTT KISSER
Please follow this piece of advice, even if you don’t follow any other. You may get good raises in the beginning, but just remember this: There’s always someone out there whose nose is browner than yours. Once you become old news and your supervisor has moved on to bigger and better butt-kissing, you’re left with nothing. Your buddy, the manager, will forget about you, and all you’re left with is a group of angry co-workers. No amount of money is worth that kind of stress.
TIP #4–DO THE JOBS NOBODY ELSE WANTS TO DO–ONCE IN A WHILE
I stress once in a while. The important thing here is not to overdo it. If you’re the kind of worker who always does those jobs that nobody else wants, your employer is gonna expect it all the time. I don’t know about you, but cleaning the french fry bins at 3 AM every night is not my idea of a good time. Sign up for overtime occasionally too, especially when they really need the help. Show that you are capable of going above and beyond your job description, but that you’re not going to do it all the time. The big key here is balance. Just think of it like watching Martha Stewart: A little bit goes a loooong way.
TIP #5–TAKE CONTROL OF SITUATIONS WHEN NOBODY ELSE CAN
You can do this even if you’re not a supervisor. If you’ve followed tip #1, you already know the best way to get the job done, so take charge when nobody else is willing to. Offer your insights when they’re needed, but don’t be over bearing by trying to be Superman (or Wonder Woman). Showing initiative is very highly respected. Like I said before, balance is the key.
TIP #6–GO TO WORK
You’re not going to get a raise if you don’t show up for work. I know there are unavoidable situations. The cat threw up on your toaster and it caught fire, your kid got a plastic bead stuck in her ear (that actually happened to me by the way–they had to put her to sleep to get it out–geez). Your manager understands this kind of stuff, but only when it happens occasionally. My advice? Make sure to inform your employer as soon as you know you’re not going to be in to work, and when you expect to be back. Explain the situation and ask if you can make up the time you missed. Be truthful as much as you can. Your boss will start to get suspicious after the 3rd grandma gets sick.
TIP #7–DO YOUR JOB
You know this one. If you’re at work and getting paid, you need to be working. Don’t be a workaholic though, because you’ll burn out quicker than a candle in a rain storm. Goofing off is expected, just keep it to a minimum. Oh yeah, and try not to get caught every time Jughead.
TIP #8–STAND FIRM
If you have worked your fingers to the bone and you know you deserve a raise, be confident when you ask. Prepare reasons for your proposed raise and back them up with facts. If you’ve done something spectacular that your boss has overlooked, show him or her your accomplishment. It doesn’t hurt to toot your own horn once in a while, especially if it means another couple bucks an hour.
TIP #9–VOICE YOUR OPINION OPENLY
Ever heard the phrase “The squeaky wheel gets the grease?”. It’s completely true. If you have an idea that would help, get it out there. If something’s unfair, let ‘em know. Feedback is as important at work as it is on Ebay. When you’re always looking to improve at work, people notice. The more memorable you are now, the better off you’ll be when it’s time for your wage review. I’ve been told I have “moxie” by more than one old timer and all my raises have been good ones.
TIP #10–GET ALONG
Rodney King asked the famous question “Can’t we all just get along?”. You’d better if you want to make more money at work. Being personable at work gains peoples’ respect, and respect in turn not only gains friendships, but good job reviews too. Getting branded the troublemaker will stick to you like glue the entire time you’re with that company, and that’s the first thing that is going to pop in your manager’s head when it comes to giving out the cash. I haven’t always been this nice ya know, so it comes from personal experience. Wait, I’m not nice. Let’s just say I’m tolerant. Kinda. :)
TIP #11–IMPROVE YOURSELF
Take a class. Go to the gym a few times a week. Anything extra you do to improve yourself will show up in your work. The better you feel about you, the better your work is going to be. The better your work is, the more money you make. The more money you make, the bigger your house will be. The bigger your house, the more friends you can have over. The hip bone’s connected to the–knee bone. The knee bone’s connected to the….Sorry.
In conclusion, following this advice should help you on your way to making more money at work. Get to it!
