How to get paid more in your 9-5

Read time: 4 mins

Do you ever feel like you’re doing all the right things but still not making the money you want in your career?

If this is you, stay with me for a second.

Hard work is important, but it’s not what separates those who get better from those who stay stuck. The real difference? Visibility, action, and knowing how to advocate for yourself.

If you want to get more money, stop chasing perfection and start focusing on progress. Here’s how:

1. Stop overthinking & start doing

Waiting until you’re "ready" is the fastest way to get left behind. The people who move up aren’t always the smartest or most experienced. They just take action. To do that you need to:

• Share your ideas before they’re perfect.

• Go after the promotion before you check every box.

• Deliver results consistently.

The faster you take action, the faster you’ll grow.

2. Make your work impossible to ignore

Hard work doesn’t speak for itself, you have to speak for it.

• Keep key people updated on your wins.

• Highlight results, not just effort. (Example: “This project increased revenue by 20%” sounds stronger than “I worked hard on this.”)

• Share small wins, not just big ones. Momentum builds visibility.

If no one knows what you’re doing, they can’t reward you for it.

3. Network with the right people

Your skills open doors but the right people are able to hand opportunities to you.

• Connect with decision-makers.

• Be the person others want to work with, supportive, reliable, solution-oriented.

• Go network (even when it feels uncomfortable).

Opportunities don’t just appear. They come from people who know and trust you.

4. Stop waiting and start asking

Success doesn’t happen to people who wait. It happens to people who ask.

• Want a raise? Come prepared with proof of your impact. Always note down your achievements every week and report back in your 1-1’s or performance review.

• If the answer is no, ask: "What would it take to get there?" and follow up.

The worst they can say is no. The best? More money and new opportunities.

I’m tired of hearing about young people being treated unfairly.

If you’re also a part of this, whether it’s being underpaid, overlooked, excluded, or treated differently due to race, gender, disability, or any other reasons. Know that you have rights.

Know your rights such as:

1. No Discrimination (Equality Act 2010)

2. Fair Pay (National Minimum Wage Act 1998)

3. Job Protection (Employment Rights Act 1996)

4. Safe Workplace (Health and Safety at Work Act 1974)

5. No Harassment (Protection from Harassment Act 1997)

Steps you might need to consider…

Document everything. Keep records of unfair treatment, including dates, conversations, emails, and any witnesses. This will be needed if you escalate the issue.

Check your contract & policies. Look at your employment contract, grievance policy, and HR policies to understand your rights and internal procedures.

Speak to HR or a manager. If you feel safe doing so, raise the issue with your HR department or a trusted colleague.

Raise a formal grievance. Only do this if you’re 100% ready to leave this workplace. If informal discussions don’t resolve anything, submit a written grievance to your employer.

Get legal advice. If the situation escalates, you can contact ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) for free advice.

Consider an Employment Tribunal. As a last resort, if the issue isn’t resolved internally, you may be able to take your employer to an Employment Tribunal.

Okay, let’s be real. You’re seeing people switching jobs and making moves, and meanwhile, you’re here wondering, "Is this it?"

First off, breathe. You’re not behind. You’re just in progress.

Stop focusing on perfection. No one has it all figured out, and anyone who says they do is lying. The people who "make it" are ones who keep showing up and keep learning.

So if your job isn’t it? Cool. Use it as a stepping stone.

You don’t need the perfect job, plan, or timing. You just need to start.

Happy Monday x

Besides creating content for you guys, recently I:

• Celebrated Valentine’s Day with loved ones (and got some free balloons. Scroll for proof 🎈).

•  Realised summer is only 17 Mondays away, so I’m swapping bubble tea for salads (pray for me).

• Got in my baking bag. Made cheesecakes for my church, and I might have a new side hustle.

Lastly, I want to help you reach your career goals, so if you’d like to book a 30-minute 1-1 to help you look for a new job, learn how best to position yourself for a promotion, or general career advice, click here.