"I spent money on myself to land a better job and the big raise I deserved."
L'OREAL THOMPSON PAYTON, 36 EVANSTON, ILLINOIS
I was working in external affairs for a nonprofit, and I learned from some peers in similar roles in the same sector that I was underpaid by nearly $30,000. I tried to negotiate a raise, but I was told, in so many words, "Sorry, we're a nonprofit. There's nothing we can do." Determined to find a job that would pay me what I'm worth, I decided to hire a career coach, which-at $100 an hour-was a hefty investment for me on my salary. She helped me update my résumé, make a five-year plan, and come up with a list of nonnegotiables for my next job.
One day while scrolling LinkedIn, I found a listing for a director of communications role at a nonprofit that felt like it was created for me. The job description even stated that the ideal candidate should scroll X (Twitter at the time) every morning with coffee-something I still do to this day. Plus, when I visited the company's website, I was thrilled to see that the staff was diverse (one of my nonnegotiables!). After a few rounds of great interviews, I got the job and increased my salary by $30,000.
Receiving the offer and then quitting my job came with a surprising range of emotions. I was pissed that I had been underpaid for so long. That's never a good feeling! But I was proud that I advocated for myself and didn't settle for just any job.
"I diversified my investments to make progress toward my financial goals."
SIANNA SIMMONS AFARI, 33 PEACHTREE CITY, GEORGIA
Denne historien er fra April 2024-utgaven av Real Simple.
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Denne historien er fra April 2024-utgaven av Real Simple.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Christmas in the Desert
This Palm Springs home may be low on snow, but it's big on holiday cheer.
Treat Yourself
These festive sweets all start with a clever store-bought shortcut, so you can stay as cool as a...log of slice-and-bake cookie dough.
Appy Holidays
Not a typo! We'll be noshing our way through the season on these partyworthy nibbles. And we wish the same for you and yours.
Gift Guide
Got a few folks who stump you every year? Who may have regifted last year's present just as soon as they could? This is for you and for them. Pretty, fun, and even fabulous stuff at any price point. Every one is a keeper.
Now Hear This
If closed captions have become your best friend and it sounds like everyone around you is mumbling, we've got the latest feedback on why you're having hearing trouble-and what you can do about it.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
...is, actually, all the time! Whether you're looking to venture into the wintry world, stop to smell spring flowers, soak up the summer's warmth, or swim in fall's colors, these are the places that deliver.
A NO-STRESS GUIDE TO GIFT GIVING & RECEIVING
It's the thought that counts, right? Right?!
5 FINANCIAL MOVES TO MAKE BEFORE 2025
Don't drop the ball ahead of the ball drop!
NOT-SO-TALL TAILS
Three of the sweetest doggo adoption stories you ever did read
ELIMINATE PET HAIR
It's time to reclaim your sofas, carpets, and black pants.