Do You Know Your Worth?

Do you know your worth?Is that even a thing? Technically it is.

But, who the hell defines that? Do we live in ancient Rome with slaves to buy and sell? The concept of a person’s worth is strange when you take the time to think about it.

When you’re looking for a job, provided you have the minimal skills required it often then comes down to “package”. Effectively, the company is telling you what they think you are worth.

I’ve often struggled with this from the hirer perspective. The only way I have any clue what I’m offering for a role I’m hiring for is the “market rates”. Which in itself is a total thumb suck. It's important to note I am hiring for the role, which has value to the company.

Now I find myself in the hiree seat and the value question seems to bother me even more. I  start second-guessing myself and my knowledge. Asking myself what is it worth?

There are a few companies, very few. That decide on a package based on the role or the title. Guys like Jason Fried from Basecamp are known for this model. In their job ads, they state the salary expectation. Upfront and clear for all to see. They’re saying they think this specific role at their business is worth $xxx. 

If a company has a “range”. And, sometimes, there can be an $80k swing in that range. Or, if they want to negotiate with you on the package. Well, I’m sorry to tell you but they’re deciding on your value. It has little to do with the role.

What do you do if you fall in love with a company but your valuation of your worth doesn’t align with theirs? It’s a tough one. There will be times, depending on the company where they may not be able to afford your valuation. So, you negotiate. If they’re in tech, they will offer you equity or "ESOP" to compensate. If they’re a big corporation they may offer a bonus as compensation for a lower base. 

But, there must be other ways. It seems like the package system has been around since the industrial revolution. It hasn’t evolved with technology and cultures. It is an antiquated, one-size-fits-all model. 

I met a great company. Great people, a cool product and an excellent opportunity. Yet, due to their lifecycle stage, they couldn’t afford what I was asking. They told me there were a couple of other candidates who would take their offer. “You are  by far the best fit but, we can’t come to the party for your needs.”I suggested I would take their offer but I’d work a shorter week. They laughed as if I was making a joke.

My experience means I can achieve the same outcomes as a Jnr. hire, in less time. If I can guarantee better quality outcomes and more work 3 days per week isn't that good enough? 

Time is a vanity metric. So many companies focus on time; time on screens, time in calendars and “bums in seats” time. 

That cannot be the future! Outcomes are what is important. Outcomes are the future!

I’ve been doing a lot of research into DAOs in the Crypto space. And, I am more convinced every day that this is the future of “work".

You join a community of people working on many different projects. You opt to work on an existing project or start your own based on the product or what the community need. You know exactly where and how you will add value.And how are you remunerated? Outcomes! All work also sits on the Blockchain. So, there is transparency over everyone’s contribution.

Some corporate die-hards will say you will lose cultural benefits. And to a small extent, you may. But, from my experience so far the communities have been incredibly welcoming. Everyone is generous with their time and knowledge. People even form meet-ups and groups in cities they live without the “company” needing to do it.

It sounds weird and confusing but it is exciting. Watch this space and mark the date you read this newsletter.

We all have an idea of how we’d like to live. It differs wildly from person to person. If you know what helps you sleep well at night should you compromise on that? Should you drop your valuation of yourself? 

It is a challenging, second-guessing place to be. I say, be confident in your abilities. Be confident in what you have to offer and the value you can add. 

There is NO ONE else like you on this planet. Rarity is valuable! Don’t let any person or company pigeonhole you into thinking you’re one of many and so less valuable. 

I’d love to hear your stories like this. Inspire me and others to hold out for what they know they’re worth.

Have an amazing weekend!

What I’m listening to?

Awareness - Anthony De MelloDe Mello takes learnings from many “spiritual masters” and even religions. Challenging the reader to wake up and be present in everything we do. From washing dishes to spending joyous moments with loved ones. It’s deep so I’d advise reading or listening in short spells.

Twitter thread I’m studying?

Leverage - A thread by Eric Jorgensen. Eric wrote a book called Navalmanack which is a breakdown of Naval Ravikant’s “Tweets of Consciousness”. Do yourself a favour and order this book immediately. The Tweet thread discusses a key topic from the book - leverage.

What I’m watching?

The River Runner - Netflix (Directed by Rush Sturges).

If you like outdoor, activeX documentaries you will love this one. It’s the story of the first man to paddle all four great rivers in Tibet. Story, visuals and music make for a fantastic doco. 

What I’m challenging myself with?

It’s October. Rather, I should say Squatober. 

That means I’ve joined the largest knee bending party on the planet. For the entire month, I will be squatting every day of the week. Pen and Paper Strength Coach along with Sorinex put this challenge together each year. I love it.“Some pretend. Some just bend!”

Something Beautiful

Sunrises are spectacular this time of year. Wake up early, go for a walk and enjoy.

Sunrise - JazzaP