Ask Dr. Karen - September 8 My name is Septina (28) and I'm working in a creative industry. I've been doing my current job for 4 years and I think I have a financial issue to solve. It's not that I'm poorly paid, but I believe I deserve a better salary regarding my achievement. But it seems to me that the system in my company sets that everyone gets paid according to how long they've worked. Many times I thought about quitting, but the reason I stay is I love what I'm doing. What should I do, Ibu Karen? Dear Septina, It is typical that someone working in an industry loses pay equity over time. Most companies think of paying you at your job grade but not for your achievement. You often get more money when you move. There is something called an in-grade adjustment (usually 5%) to recognize special achievements, or a bonus system. If these are not typical in your company, then it’s hard to get them. What you need is a career discussion with your boss or a person above. A career discussion is structured as follows: 1) You love your job and the company. You have a dilemma. 2) Although you don’t want to leave the company, you’ve noticed that other companies may pay more for your work output and your quality. Before you decide to go somewhere else, ask your boss give you some guidance about your future at the company. (You don’t have to ask for a raise; the meeting makes it’s obvious.) Be ready to tell your boss how much more you need if asked. After that meeting, you need to look at the job market to see if there are other creative companies that you admire. Ask your friends if anyone knows someone working there. You do need to check with other, similar companies to compare what you have in content and pay. You may find that you need to move on if your boss is not receptive to your request for a career discussion. Or you may love your job so much that it’s not important to move. It’s better to base your decision on evidence. Ibu Karen