- Jack Rugile
Simple Sapien

My low salary isn’t because I’m not making a difference. It’s the structure of the company and the job itself doesn’t offer room to grow. I’ve taken more than enough coursework and proved my value but entering data/building databases isn’t exactly a job that comes with salary increases or bonuses. I’m not resting on my laurels or giving up. I’m aggressively job hunting, going to seminars and learning about topics to increase my knowledge. I’m also making a name for myself in the industry by bringing innovation ideas and tools to advance our way of working.

As you well know, someone who has lead a nationally recognized Six Sigma or process improvement team has highly desirable and marketable skills in logistics and manufacturing environments – either as an employee or as an independent consultant.

Addressing your assertion that, “corporations usually don’t pay their employees what they’re worth, regardless of whether that employee is a valuable asset or not.”

If you are as qualified as you say and remain underpaid, it is because you have not left for a higher paying position. If there are no higher paying positions in your area, there are higher paying positions elsewhere. Whether you choose to relocate is a personal decision you and your family have to make, but the jobs are there for those with the skills.

If you like your company, like your job, have no desire to leave for another company, then you are in the right place. If you are unhappy, it isn’t because you aren’t contributing enough, it’s because you’ve put up with it so long and don’t think you have a choice. You always have a choice.

I haven’t read The Secret and don’t plan to and I’m not into “motivational happy talk” but I do believe the way we think has an effect on our actions.

I’m sorry I disappointed you with my article. Maybe today’s will be better?

Each year, our company puts out a statement announcing to the grunts how much more they’ve earned in revenue and converted customers. Each year, in the exact same statement, they announce that although we’ve done well and increased revenue, the economy has been very tight and we shouldn’t expect any sort of major raises (this has been going on for 7 years).

Each year at review time I receive a 3% or 4% raise (depending on which number is the latest “highest” end of the raise percentage) because my work has been “exceptional”. Oh, and yes, on special days we get little cardboard desk calendars with motivational statements printed on them.

But you’ve shown me the way! This whole time I haven’t been contributing enough! I’ve had my nose to the grindstone, but they need my entire face!

Why are employee turnover rates currently so high? Why are so many people trying to start their own businesses these days? I’m still idealistic enough to know that individuals focusing on constant improvement can make a difference, and that there is such thing as the law of attraction. But I’ve grown cynical enough to know that corporations usually don’t pay their employees what they’re worth, regardless of whether that employee is a valuable asset or not.

And all the motivational happy talk and regurgitations of The Secret won’t change that. I usually enjoy your column, but this time you’re way off the mark.

The real problem, I’m short I should have advertised it more.