Envelope 1

Remember, the closer you are to revenue generation, the MORE you are worth. Approach your boss/company with ammunition that discusses your value based on your contribution to revenues and to have at least a part of your compensation based on performance. Remember: if the answer is "No," you want to have back-up offers from other companies/jobs!

PS: In a privately held company, try to obtain or increase stock. If you need to, get your position "re-graded" to a higher grade level that reflects what you actually do. You may need to change employers to achieve making more $$. Be sure all your skills -- especially technical ones -- are up to date and work for companies that are solvent, e.g. making money!

Some important caveats:

• if you are in the government, education or the armed forces, remember there are grade levels that define compensation.
• if you are in a company for a long period of time, you may have unconsciously chosen to become comfortable versus going for bigger compensation
• if you are working for more than 15 years, more recent hires may be getting better compensation packages. If you feel they "younger" grads with more "in-tune-with-the-market" skills and therefore getting higher pay, you are not alone!
• if you are a "trailblazer" within a company, you are a cost until you produce a profit. Be patient and keep your eyes open.