8 Ways to Increase Income and Confidence Throughout Your Career

Did you know there are more ways to gain notoriety and increase your income at work other than simply doing a good job? Don’t get us a wrong, putting in hard work pays off.

But don’t stop there! 

If you’re looking for a few pro-tips on how to increase income and your confidence in your career, this read is for you.

How to Increase Income and Confidence in Your Career

Not all of these tips will work for you, but a few of them might. Finding what mends with you and your schedule is key! 

1. Explore Other Options

The cold, but effective option. 

If you’ve been working at a company for years but have seen only a few raises, it might be time to move on. 

As you start to explore other options, you may find a place that will pay you more for the same job. Or you may find a place that pays you a similar amount, but has better benefits, room to grow, and is more in line with what you’re passionate about. 

This method yields two beneficial factors: 

1. You learn more about the market, what’s available, and what you could be earning.
2. Having market research in your back pocket builds your claim when you talk to your current employer.  

2. The Cold Ask

Your current employer may value you more than you know. 

They may not say it or show it in your paycheck, but they do. Going to them and asking for a raise could lead to some positive rewards. But we want to caution you to go in with the research.

When someone encourages you to ask for a raise, it should never mean just waltz in and say, “I would like a raise.” 

Go in with research. Go in with stats on your performance. Go in with stats on the market. Start by making conversation with your employer about what an asset to the company you’ve been, then you can express how you believe it’s fair to give you a raise. 

This beats flat-out asking because it’s hard to argue with facts. And, what’s more, is it shows that you know if you’re being underpaid because the companies down the street might pay you a lot more.

We don’t recommend threatening to leave your current job (negotiating a raise isn’t a hostage situation) unless you have an offer from another company.

3. Specialized Certifications 

Depending on your occupation, there may be certifications you can earn that will require your employer to pay you more. 

Specialized certifications are courses you can take as an individual to supplement your career. They help set you apart from other employees who just have the job. There are a lot of common options that few people actually take advantage of, like Adobe Certifications, Microsoft Office Certified, or even things like safe certifications. 

By adding a certification to your resume, you become a more desirable candidate. (And not only at your current job, but also on the market as well.)

Employers are always looking for people who are certified in programs like Adobe Suite or coding software. Adding them to your resume makes you stand out in ways your current employer may be undermining. 

4. Start Your Own Business

Have you ever wanted to write a blog? Start a podcast? Film a web series? 

Now might be your time to shine. 

Starting your own business can even become a lucrative side gig as you draw in traffic that wants to read your content. This will build your confidence at the office, too, because you’ll have an outside source of feedback. Just make sure you’re not talking about company trades! 

5. Seek the Wise

Did someone you know get into the job you have now? Do you have any family, friends, or acquaintances who did what you’re doing? 

Seek their advice. They have pro-tips on your industry that you might have never thought of. These tips and tricks can lead to raises and new opportunities. The old expression of “Don’t reinvent the wheel” rings true here! 

If you can establish a mentor relationship with one of them, that will be your best option. Studies show that people grow with a weekly mentor way better than when they try to do things alone!

6. Start a Group

At your place of work, there may not be a group that meets to simply chat or hang out. You could start that! 

Call it after-work beer, or a bi-weekly park-and-play where you throw a frisbee around or go for a walk. This will boost your confidence at work because you’ll get to know the people you see every day as friends outside the office, not just desk-owners inside it. 

It will also build your credibility at work because it shows that you’re someone who can take charge, plan, and lead!

7. Keep it Positive 

In the office, you never want to be Negative Nelly.

Sure, she may have friends and people talk to her for hours, but she’s never the one the boss thinks of when a new opportunity arises.

Instead, try to be positive — even in challenging or strenuous tasks. Research shows that positivity boosts workplace performance. Plus, positive mindsets and attitudes will stand out, and when the next big challenge comes (the one that pays more) you’ll be the candidate the boss wants most. 

8. Finish Strong

At the end of the day, or end of a project, don’t walk out disgruntled or upset. Try to finish strong. Celebrate your hard work because then others will want to celebrate it — and you — too! 

That leaves a good taste in people’s mouth — one they’re always wanting more of. 

More Ways To Increase Income

We hope this guide on ways to increase income and confidence in your career has given you a few ideas.

For more content, be sure to check our blog regularly! And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out and contact us. We’re always happy to help the business of luxury be for everyone. 

More from NEWS

---