I graduated from BYU in 2005. Since then I earned a Masters and a Doctoral degree. I come on CB for some advice as I try to change career trajectory. I have jobs with following years (titles): 2 (teacher) 2 (grad student job), 3 (doctoral fellowship), 2 (associate) 8 (manager), and 2 years (manager) on my resume with the majority of those being in Training Development. My current job is with the federal government which is very stable, but very restrictive, toxic, and the pay is so low that we eat through our savings each month because of the high cost of living where we live and the size of my family. I need to earn more and also be happier.

Recently, a friend told me to apply to his company and said to request X amount, which was much higher than I make or normally request. It made me think, “do I devalue what I am worth as an employee, even at the manager level?”

I look on CB and see a bunch of highly successful and well earning people who work hard and likely understand how much they are worth in today’s market. So, how much should someone be worth with given the amount of experience, education, and industry knowledge?