7 Signs You’re Undervaluing Your Skills (And How to Get Paid What You’re Worth)
It’s easy to miss your own brilliance.
Take Norman Breakey, the Canadian who invented the paint roller in 1940.
Genius, right?
But he passed away before he could patent it, leaving Richard Croxton Adams to secure the first patent. A revolutionary invention—and no payday.
Today, we’re diving into how to spot the ways you might be undervaluing your skills (and how to make sure you’re the one getting paid for them).
What’s in store:
The hidden signs you’re undervaluing your skills.
Actionable strategies to demand what you deserve.
Around the web: Taylor Swift continues her historic streak with 10 Grammy nominations.
Tool of the week: Meet the app that tracks your career progress like a fitness plan.
Read Time: 5 minutes
Are you leaving promotions, clients, and opportunities on the table?
Undervaluing your skills doesn’t just hurt your paycheck.
It affects your confidence, relationships, and career trajectory.
Many high-performing professionals are working harder than ever, yet they’re stuck in the same spot—undervalued and underpaid.
But here’s the kicker.
You might be the one undervaluing yourself.
Let’s break it down with 7 signs you’re selling yourself short— and how to flip the script.
1. You think, “It’s just part of my job.”
Do you minimize your achievements because they feel routine?
Here’s a reality check: the things you do effortlessly are often the most valuable.
Stop downplaying what sets you apart.
2. You shy away from talking about your wins.
The loudest person isn’t always the most talented, but they’re often the most rewarded.
Learn to frame your achievements with facts, not fluff, and share them confidently.
3. You’re accepting less because “times are tough.”
Economic downturn or not, your skills and experience are assets.
If you’re discounting your worth for the sake of stability, it’s time to rethink.
4. Your pay doesn’t match your peers’.
Haven’t checked your market rate?
That’s like running a race without knowing the finish line.
Use tools like Payscale or Glassdoor to stay informed.
5. You never negotiate offers or raises.
“I’ll just take what they give me” is a mindset that’s costing you.
Employers expect negotiations.
So don’t leave that money sitting on the table.
6. You overdeliver without boundaries.
Going the extra mile is great, but working 70-hour weeks without recognition or compensation isn’t.
Set boundaries that reflect your true value.
7. You feel stuck, but don’t speak up.
Whether it’s a promotion or more meaningful work, waiting for someone to notice your potential is a recipe for stagnation.
Advocacy starts with you.
🚀 Action Plan: How to Get Paid What You’re Worth
Let’s turn self-awareness into action:
1. Track your wins weekly.
Keep a “brag sheet” with tangible results—revenue generated, projects delivered, people mentored.
It’s not just for your ego; it’s fuel for your next negotiation.
2. Research your market rate.
Use tools like LinkedIn Salary, Payscale, or industry reports to benchmark your value.
3. Prepare a persuasive pitch.
Tie your achievements to the organization’s goals.
Employers pay for value.
Show them how you deliver it.
4. Invest in high ROI skills.
Identify certifications or training that could elevate your profile and earning potential.
5. Practice negotiation like a muscle.
The more you flex it, the stronger you get.
Whether it’s a raise or freelance rate, approach the conversation armed with confidence and data.
6. Build a personal brand.
Share thought leadership on LinkedIn or industry platforms.
Visibility enhances perceived value.
7. Get a mentor or coach.
Sometimes, you need an outside perspective to pinpoint your blind spots and strategize effectively.
PRODUCTIVITY BOOSTER
Track Your Career Like You Track Your Fitness.
Meet CareerFit, the app designed to help professionals set, measure, and achieve career goals.
With features like:
A “win tracker” to document accomplishments.
Salary benchmarks tailored to your industry.
Personalized skill development recommendations.
Ready to take control of your professional growth?
👉 Explore CareerFit now!
On This Day
November 28, 1967 - Jocelyn Bell Burnell discovered the first pulsar—a rapidly spinning neutron star.
It’s like the universe itself decided to set a stellar example of standing out and shining bright. 🔭✨
Tool of the Week
SkillsFirst Career Portfolio Builder
Negotiating a raise?
Applying for a new role?
SkillsFirst's AI-powered Career Portfolio Builder helps you organize your skills, wins, and career metrics into a sleek, sharable portfolio.
Why it's a game-changer:
- AI-driven customization tailors portfolios for specific industries and job roles.
- Generates personalized portfolios that highlight unique qualifications and professional readiness.
- Seamlessly imports resumes and work samples to create a unified, professional portfolio.
- AI Portfolio Necessity Check determines if a portfolio is beneficial for specific positions.
Start showcasing your true value today! →
Around the Web
AI: Happily.ai launches AI-powered platform to combat toxic workplace behaviors.
Career: New study reveals 79% of CEOs rarely face toxic conduct, while 49% of frontline employees encounter frequent hostility at work.
Technology: CommSafe AI develops software to flag toxic language in workplace emails and chats.
Professional Development: Forbes highlights AI's role in combating employee burnout and improving work-life balance.
Innovation: Ron Klein, inventor of the magnetic credit card strip, continues to mentor budding entrepreneurs.
Linked And Lift Picks
Book: So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport.
Podcast: The Long Game with Dorie Clark—episode on creating strategic professional growth plans.
Quote: “You don’t get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour.” – Jim Rohn
What’s your take?
Vote here to share your opinion and see live results in next week’s edition.
Last week’s Poll results
Do offices still have a place in the future of work?
Yes, we need them for collaboration - 25%
Nope, give me remote freedom. - 75%
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Closing Thought
You’re not just a professional.
You’re a powerhouse of skills, insights, and value.
Recognizing your worth isn’t arrogance.
It’s alignment with reality.
When you step into your value, you don’t just elevate yourself.
You inspire others to do the same.
We Want to Hear from You!
How’s your week going?
💬 What’s one action you’ll take to value yourself more this week?
Hit reply and let me know!
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Meet the Writer
Founder, Linked And Lift.
A dedicated advocate for healthy workplaces, offering research-backed strategies on leadership, personal and professional growth, and burnout prevention to help you thrive in your career and life.