Are you leaving money on the table? Discover the reasons why you’re underpaid and what you can do about it.
Chances are, you’re getting paid less than you could be. You’re not alone. According to Fidelity’s 2022 Career Assessment Study, 58% of professionals accepted their current job offer without negotiating, yet among those who did negotiate, 87% received at least some of what they asked for.
Why do so many people stay stuck at the bottom of their earning potential?
Because the career advice we’ve been given is often well-meaning… but completely wrong.
- HR? They work for the company, not for you.
- Friends and family? Unless they’ve landed six-figure roles or coached others through it, they’re guessing.
- Influencers and bloggers? Most don’t show receipts or even work in your field.
The system is set up to protect company budgets, not your bank account. Without a clear plan, you’ll keep getting paid less than you deserve.
But the good news? You can change it, and fast.
I’ve helped job seekers land interviews, raise their salaries, and finally feel confident asking for what they’re worth. Here’s a breakdown of 10 surprising (and preventable) reasons you’re underpaid and what you can do right now to fix them.
1. You Didn’t Negotiate
Most people don’t realise the job offer stage is a negotiation, not a take-it-or-leave-it moment. Companies expect candidates to ask for more, which is why they often start with a lowball offer. But if you never push back, you’ll never know how much more you could have gotten.
Fix it: Shift your mindset. The moment you receive an offer, see it as the starting point, not the finish line. Prepare a counteroffer or request improvements to benefits, time off, or other valuable terms.
2. They’re Paid to Pay You Less
Your manager and the company’s finance department are under pressure to control costs. Their systems, processes, and performance metrics are all designed to limit their spending on employee compensation. No matter how good you are, they won’t voluntarily offer more unless they have a compelling reason.
Fix it: Build your case. Demonstrate the value you bring through your experience, impact, and results, and don’t rely on them to offer more out of goodwill.
3. You Anchored Yourself Low
Many people give away their previous salary early in the process. That number becomes the anchor for the employer’s offer, often limiting what they’ll propose even if the role is more senior.
Fix it: Politely decline to share your past salary. Focus instead on your market value, the responsibilities of the new role, and what fair compensation looks like for your skill set today.
4. You’re Scared to Ask
Fear of rejection is one of the most common reasons people avoid negotiating. They worry the company will walk away, label them “difficult,” or rescind the offer. But in reality, companies rarely revoke offers just because a candidate asked for more, especially if done respectfully.
Fix it: Understand that negotiation is expected. Practice confident but professional responses like, “Is there any flexibility in that offer?” to get comfortable asking.
5. You’re Getting Bad Advice
Your friends, family, or coworkers may discourage you from negotiating because they’ve never done it themselves or had bad experiences. But that doesn’t make them experts.
Fix it: Seek guidance from professionals who understand negotiation. Read expert advice, take a workshop, or talk to someone who’s successfully negotiated offers in your industry.
6. You’ve Never Learned How
Fear stems from uncertainty. If you’ve never learned how to handle a salary conversation, you’ll naturally feel nervous and overwhelmed. That fear can cause you to settle quickly just to avoid discomfort.
Fix it: Learn the fundamentals. Understanding common employer tactics, practicing responses, and preparing your ask ahead of time can reduce anxiety and boost your confidence.
7. You Started Too Low
Your raises, bonuses, and promotions are typically calculated as a percentage of your current salary. If you start low, you stay low. It’s like compound interest in reverse — small beginnings lead to smaller growth.
Fix it: Advocate for the highest starting salary possible. That number will echo through every raise and offer that follows, so it pays to start strong.
8. It Follows You
Even if you move companies later, recruiters and hiring managers often ask about current compensation, and use it to justify what they offer next. That means if you’re underpaid now, it follows you into your future.
Fix it: Break the cycle. Know your worth based on industry benchmarks and role responsibilities, not your last paycheck. You’re not obligated to disclose your salary history.
9. Raises Are Just Catching Up
If you finally get a raise that feels significant, it might just be your company admitting you were underpaid all along. Raises often stay within strict bands, so even when they seem generous, they may not be.
Fix it: Don’t assume a raise means you’re being fairly paid. Regularly review salary data and compare it to what you’re earning. If you’re below market, speak up — or consider moving on.
10. You Rarely Practice
Most people only change jobs every few years. That means they only negotiate a handful of times in their entire career, never enough to become confident or skilled.
Fix it: Treat negotiation like a skill, not a one-time event. Practice, get feedback, and reflect on each experience. The better you get, the more you’ll earn — now and in every future opportunity.
Real Career Breakthroughs
Paul D. – Agile Delivery Lead
“Deciding to speak with you was one of my better decisions”
“Dylan, My appointment with you provided me with both actionable strategies and a new perspective on my job search process resulting in my subsequent ideal offer for employment. Deciding to speak with you was one of my better decisions. Keep doing what you are doing.”
Omario K. – Attorney and Professor
“I felt like I didn’t have much to say in a networking conversation or in a cover letter.“
“Dylan has been a godsend. It’s been a journey to have him help me find my professional use and my professional goals. That has really cleared the cloud cover.”
Jim L. – Software Quality Director
“What has been the biggest impact on your life and business of working with Dylan?“
“Making more money”
Ready to stop leaving money on the table?
If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself, unsure how to ask for more, or simply want a clear, confident path forward in your career, let’s talk. In a FREE Clarity Call with me, you’ll get personalised insights, expert guidance, and a proven game plan to help you earn what you’re truly worth.
Now that you understand why you’re underpaid, it’s time to take action and shift the trajectory of your career
