We got our increments today. Human nature is funny, as one can be given a reward in recognition of one’s efforts, yet feel indignant that one wasn’t given enough. I was quite happy with what I got, modest as it was. Any bonus is better than none.
After five years of work, I am finally earning slightly more money than I did in my very first job (the dotcom bubble burst, I took a massive pay cut in my next job, and have been crawling up the salary scale ever since. Income tax was not required of me for years. Yes, that bad).
Look on the bright side! Some of us are already fortunate to be in a company that gives increments and bonuses. If it’s on a less-than-annual basis, all the better! And if you’re blessed with a good boss and nice colleagues, that’s something even money can’t buy!
To Christians, the same applies to the ultimate ‘bonus’ – the gift of Salvation and Eternal life. If you keep that in mind, above everything else, nothing should spoil our day on earth. (Yeah, easier said than done. We’re a bunch of ingrates aren’t we, like the Israelites in the desert…)
Think of all the cases you read in the papers – poor construction workers or white-collar employees who haven’t been paid their monthly salaries, for months! Their employers have gone bust or fled the country. Some have a big family in Bangladesh to feed.
And look at the context and industry in which you work. If you’re an investment banker, your company’s doing well and you were responsible for clinching a big deal – then you’re likely to get a nice big figure. If your job doesn’t involve money-making, then don’t expect to be paid like an investment banker. There are other intangible rewards, like helping people in some way.
Do your work to the best of your ability, be at peace with everyone, and keep your skills updated. Go home and have a family life (that’s the slogan my overworked team is trying to adopt). Don’t put your faith in money. You can either accept what you’ve been given, or if you can’t, then ask yourself why you got less than what you expected, and improve yourself or adjust your expectations, so that the next time, you won’t feel like you’ve been passed over.
Comments
I do not know your age. However, you sound mature enough not to try to run the rat race. I have been working for more than 20 years. I have seem massive hiring and massive layoff. The layoffs were never pretty. If we depend on out job or job title to give us self esteem, life is never fulfilled. The purpose of life is a lot more than earthly things. There is a higher purpose. Rick Warren’s book “Purpose Driven Life” is a good read.