I remember the first time I told someone who was a potential employer what I thought I was worth, the first time that I was secure with my choice and not willing to compromise, the first time I was really willing to walk away from an offer that was below my expectations. It was so empowering, it was like a switch flipped in my brain and it felt good.
“We live in a ‘yes’ culture, where it’s expected that the person who is going to get ahead is the go-getter who says yes to everything that comes their way,” said Dara Blaine, a career counselor and coach in Los Angeles. “It’s when people learn to say no that I’ve really seen their careers take off,” she said.
Besides knowing your worth, we need to know our boundaries or limits. Have you heard the saying, “Jack of all trades, master of none?” Are you focused? Are you spreading yourself too thin? Running in too many directions? Do you even know what you really want?
As we begin to come out of the pandemic and face future work opportunities, I hope you have been able to take time this past year to reflect on what you are worth and what you really want in life. Many people have been put in positions of desperation, and this can lead to poor decisions and compromising values. Many economists say that the pandemic will set us back years in terms of employment and opportunities. Knowing your worth and your goals can help combat that decline. And standing with a union is another way to raise the tide for all.
I encourage you to take the time to think about what you want and what your time is worth. Be an expert on yourself … you are the only one who can be!
— By Michelle Damis, SAG-AFTRA Portland Local President
News
- Tags:
- Local News