Feeling underpaid is frustrating. But what’s even worse? Knowing you’re underpaid, asking about it… and nothing actually changes.
Sometimes it’s so hard to build up the courage to even ask.
In the past, I’ve rarely advocated for myself when it came to pay increases. It was always such an awkward conversation for me to have, as I’m pretty humble.
The very small handful of times I did ask for a raise and was rejected, I was devastated. I didn’t know where to go from there.
So if you’ve already had the conversation, tried to advocate for yourself, and still feel stuck, you’re not alone. This happens more often than people talk about, especially for women in the workplace.
The good news is that you still have options. And they’re better than just sitting there feeling resentful and undervalued.
Here’s exactly what to do next.
First, Make Sure You’re Actually Underpaid
Before making any big decisions, take a step back and confirm what you’re feeling is backed by real data.
Sometimes we feel underpaid because:
- A coworker mentioned their salary
- Job responsibilities have increased
- Cost of living has gone up
But that doesn’t always mean you’re objectively underpaid in the market.
If you haven’t already, review:
- Salary ranges for your role in your area
- Your experience level vs. current pay
- Industry benchmarks
If you need help figuring this out, I walk through it step-by-step in my article on 10 Signs You’re Being Underpaid at Work (And What to Do).
For United States workers, you can check salary ranges using sites like Glassdoor, Payscale, or the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to compare what people in similar roles are earning.
Once you’re confident the issue is real, you can move forward with clarity instead of second-guessing yourself.
This step is very important as you need to be able to see things from the employer’s point of view and put your feelings aside.
If You Haven’t Asked Yet, Start Here
If you’ve realized you’re underpaid but haven’t formally addressed it yet, your next step is to have the conversation.
I know it’s uncomfortable. But avoiding it won’t fix anything.
You don’t need to be (and definitely shouldn’t be) aggressive or confrontational. You simply need to be prepared.
Here’s a simple, professional way to start:
“I’d like to revisit my compensation based on my current responsibilities and market data. Can we schedule time to talk through this?”
If you’re not sure how to structure the conversation or what to say, I break it down in How to Negotiate a Raise Without Feeling Awkward.
That article will walk you through exactly how to approach it without feeling like you’re doing something wrong.
If you need a bit more help, check out this Etsy Salary Negotiation Workbook.
If You Already Asked and Nothing Changed
This is where things get tricky.
Maybe your boss said:
- “It’s not in the budget right now”
- “We’ll revisit later”
- “You’re doing great, just keep it up”
Or maybe you got a raise… but it didn’t actually fix the problem.
If that sounds familiar, you’re in a really common (and frustrating) situation.
I talk more about how to handle that specific moment in What to Say When Your Raise Is Smaller Than Expected, but here’s the reality:
At some point, you have to stop waiting for someone else to fix it.
Because they might not.
If you’re feeling stuck on what to say or how to prepare, I put together a Salary Negotiation Workbook that walks through exactly how to plan your conversation, organize your thoughts, and feel more confident going in.
Understand What “No” Actually Means
When your employer doesn’t adjust your pay, it usually comes down to one of three things:
1. Budget Constraints
They genuinely can’t (or won’t) allocate more money right now.
2. Internal Pay Structures
You’re capped within a salary band and they won’t go outside it.
3. They Don’t Feel Urgency
This is the hard truth. If you continue doing your job well without pushing back, there’s no pressure for them to change anything.
Understanding which one of these three that you’re dealing with helps you decide what to do next.
Because your strategy should be different depending on the situation.
Your Real Options Moving Forward
Once you’ve asked and nothing changes, you have five realistic paths.
None of them are perfect—but one will be right for you.
Option 1: Stay and Accept It (Short-Term)
This isn’t “giving up.” Sometimes it’s a strategic choice.
You might stay if:
- You need stability right now
- Benefits or flexibility are valuable
- You’re building experience
But be honest with yourself: this should be temporary, not indefinite.
If you choose this path, set a timeline. For example:
“I’ll reassess in 6 months.”
Write down a date and put it in your purse or a drawer. Glance at the date every now and then and make sure you prepare as you’re getting closer.
That keeps you from getting stuck for years.
Option 2: Negotiate Non-Salary Benefits
If salary is off the table, you can still ask for things that improve your overall situation.
Examples:
- Remote work days
- Flexible hours
- Extra PTO
- A title change (this helps your next job search)
- Professional development opportunities
These may not fix the salary gap completely, but they can make your current role more livable while you figure out your next move.
Option 3: Quietly Upskill
If your role isn’t paying what you’re worth, increasing your market value gives you leverage.
This doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Think small, realistic steps:
- Learning a new tool
- Taking a short course
- Expanding responsibilities intentionally
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s positioning yourself for better opportunities.
Option 4: Look for Internal Opportunities
Sometimes the issue isn’t the company…it’s the role.
Check for:
- Open positions in other departments
- Promotions that come with salary adjustments
- Teams with different pay structures
If you already like the company, this can be a smoother transition than starting over somewhere new.
Option 5: Start Looking for a New Job
This is often the fastest way to fix an underpayment problem.
It’s not dramatic. It’s not disloyal.
What is it? It’s practical.
Many people see the biggest salary increases when they switch companies, not when they stay and wait.
If you’ve:
- Asked for a raise
- Given it time
- Seen no real movement
…it may be time to redirect your energy somewhere that actually values your work.
Signs It’s Time to Move On
If you’re unsure whether to stay or leave, watch for these signs:
- You’ve had multiple compensation conversations with no change
- Your responsibilities keep increasing without pay adjustments
- You feel resentful or disengaged
- You’re avoiding work conversations because you feel undervalued
- There’s no clear path to better pay
One or two of these might be manageable.
But if most of them apply? That’s your answer.
How to Start Your Job Search Without Burning Out
If you decide to move on, you don’t need to flip your entire life upside down overnight.
Start simple:
- Update your resume
- Set job alerts
- Apply to a few roles each week
Consistency matters more than intensity.
You’re not trying to escape. You’re trying to upgrade.
How to Leave on Good Terms
Even if you’re frustrated, leave professionally.
You never know when you’ll cross paths with someone again.
When you do resign:
- Keep it simple and respectful
- Avoid venting or over-explaining
- Express appreciation where appropriate
- Do not burn bridges
If your situation improves before you leave, or you do receive a raise later on, knowing how to respond professionally matters too. That’s exactly what I cover in How to Say Thank You for a Pay Raise.
Final Thoughts
Being underpaid is exhausting.
It can make you question your value, your career path, and even your confidence.
But here’s the truth:
You’re not stuck.
If your current employer won’t fix it, that doesn’t mean it can’t be fixed.
It just means it might not happen there.
And sometimes, the most powerful move you can make isn’t asking time and time again.
It’s deciding you deserve better.
0 Comments