This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Don’t play catch up; skip to the front of the damn line
Black women are severely underpaid and have a lot of catching up to do.
My Thoughts On It
Don’t try to earn a “good” salary if you decide to work for a traditional employer.
Find out what white men are getting paid, and go for that number.
Always, I repeat, always negotiate for a higher salary, do your research, ask around, find out what a white male would get paid to do for his job, and ask for a salary that includes that range.
Here’s why…
If we’re already so behind, why not immediately close the gap by asking what a white male would get paid?
Take a direct-catch-up approach and skip some lines.
The world is changing, but the white male is still the standard.
I have worked at one company where women outpaced the men in salary, but that was an anomaly.
Find out what the white male gets paid and aim for that and more.
Call me competitive, but I believe in equality and taking matters into my own hands. I don’t allow barriers to limit me. I only believe in breaking them and seeking ways to do so, which is what I aim to do for the rest of my career.
Many People Describe Black Women As Aggressive
The one way we can and should be aggressive is with our careers and the amount of money we get paid.
Black people are at the bottom of the economic totem pole. We have a lot of catching up to do, and it will not happen overnight unless we skip a lot of lines and breakthrough multiple barriers and ceilings.
How can you do this? Some ways include networking, education, certifications, eloquent communication, improving your mindset, researching, and gaining invaluable work experience.
Your economic status should improve yearly as you acquire new information, skills, education, and experience.
Education doesn’t have to be formal. It could be free books, podcasts, conferences, certifications, courses, webinars, etc.
I didn’t increase my salary by going back to school, I did it through personal and self-educational efforts, and you can do the same.
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This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.