In our new series My Salary Story, women with at least 10 years of career experience open up about the most intimate details of their jobs: compensation. It’s an honest look at how real people navigate the complicated world of negotiating, raises, promotions, and job loss, with the hope it will give young women more insight into how to advocate for themselves — and maybe take a few risks along the way.
Here, a 34-year-old insurance claims adjuster who lives in Northern California and learned that advocating for herself pays off big — in the form of a six-figure salary less than a decade after graduation.
Starting Salary: $34,000
Current Salary: $110,000
Years of employment: 13
Biggest salary jump: $18,000
Biggest salary drop: $5,000
Biggest salary regret: That I didn’t do my research to find out what my position paid. It wasn't until I switched companies that I realized just how big salary discrepancies could be. Glassdoor didn't exist when I started out, but I still should have asked around and gotten a sense of what people in similar positions were getting paid.
Best salary-related advice: Do not be afraid of negotiating and do not be afraid to walk away from something that doesn’t feel right. You should also really consider the “total compensation” package rather than just the salary number. Salary is just a number; it’s those things you don’t necessarily see — a flexible work environment, a generous healthcare plan, or paid parental leave — that could make all the difference.
I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do out of college, but I knew I needed a job and I was ready to start anywhere — and my anywhere ended up being insurance. Being an insurance rep definitely isn't for everyone — the customer service is intense.
I did well in it, though. I'm organized and efficient and best of all, I had an awesome manager who was happy to help mentor me. Honestly, your first few managers will make or break you — build a good relationship and be willing to learn from your mistakes.
I need to add: The benefits at this gig were awesome: 401(k), generous medical and dental, great vacation benefits, and a pension!
Illustrated by Mallory Heyer
Approximately six months into my career, I received my first raise — which was technically the acknowledgement that I'd passed the training phase of the job.
Every day was tough. You would get calls from a customer who had just experienced the worst day of his life and have to say no or deny a claim. There was a lot of verbal abuse, and I will say the only way to make it through was not taking it personally. Easier said than done!
Illustrated by Mallory Heyer
My manager approached me with an opportunity to take on a more technical position with a higher salary. The catch: The job was a "field position," which meant I needed to move two hours away from where I lived. It also meant my "office" was my car or kitchen counter, and the only coworker interaction was a phone call with my manager a few times a week. It worked for me: I like working by myself, and being micromanaged stresses me out. But it wouldn't be ideal for everyone.
The one thing I learned here was how a short-term sacrifice, like a less-than ideal move, can pay off so much in the long run. If I had passed up that opportunity, I definitely wouldn't be in the role I am in today.
Illustrated by Mallory Heyer
I loved my job, but I missed my family and friends. And when a close family member got sick, I knew I needed to move back. My old office didn't have any open positions, so I asked around and found another company that was hiring. They couldn't match my salary, but I was desperate.
This job was horrible. I'd always been taught that team work is the key to success. But when I tried assisting a colleague by picking up his phone while he was on the other line, I got disciplined by my manager. Another time, I had a scheduled phone call, but spaced and went to lunch. A peer of mine picked up the call and I was back within 20 minutes, but I got screamed at for being disrespectful. That was the last straw. Luckily, the stars must have aligned — my original employer called and asked me to return. No interview needed!
Illustrated by Mallory Heyer
I was happy to be back, but put out they couldn't have offered a higher salary than what I was making when I left. But I was working with my manager again, and was quickly given more projects and special responsibilities, which proved they valued me.
Illustrated by Mallory Heyer
This was the year I learned that, at heart, I'm a job-hopper. I'm always looking for something more challenging, so when a quality-control agent position came up, I took it. This was the first role where I took on managerial-type duties: I audited other people's work and provided feedback.
I also had more flexibility, which I used to start grad school to pursue my MBA. Best part: My company paid!
Being a manager wasn't the easiest role for me, but I knew that if I wanted to get ahead in my career, I had to get comfortable with it. At this time, I began really thinking big picture and trying to figure out how my career path would play out.
Illustrated by Mallory Heyer
I had planned on completing my MBA and taking advantage of my position's flexibility, but when a true manager position came up in my company, I decided I might as well throw my hat in the ring.
I never expected to get the job, but I did. And I have never worked harder, cried more, or had more existential crises where I wondered WTF I was doing with my life.
My team was patient with me, but it was a lot of trial and error. I found that leadership was a struggle, but I had micro-management down — not great for anyone.
Illustrated by Mallory Heyer
So happy with that number! I had just set a $100k goal within three years around that time, and I was so close to reaching it, especially with my bonus!
I was still having leadership issues, though. Things were better, but I was having a tough time inspiring my team. I was also still doing my MBA program so was super tight on time. The great thing was that everything I was learning in class about leadership and management was really applicable to my day-to-day office life. It took time and work, but I definitely learned a ton about myself and other people.
Illustrated by Mallory Heyer
Once I'd gotten my MBA, I was ready to move on. I began searching for positions, keeping an eye on the total compensation package — not just salary!
As soon as I set foot in my new office I realized that, as much as I'd grown at my previous company, they'd really undervalued my work. In this new job, my team was 75% smaller and I was making $20,000 more.
The other change was the bonus structure: At my old company, as long as you did okay, you got a bonus. But here, you better be a rockstar if you want to get one. I was always highly motivated, but the prospect of more money lit a fire under my ass.
I was also really thrilled to be working with a team I didn't know. I had so many relationships at my old company that it was nice to start fresh. This was a great move.
Illustrated by Mallory Heyer.
From 2011 to 2014, I pushed myself as hard as I could — my compensation stayed about the same, but I was putting myself out there all the time. I would raise my hand for various projects and groups and found that was how you stand out in a big company. And don't get me wrong, financial bonuses are great. But getting praised for your work by company VIPs has a lot of value that can translate into future leverage.
Around this time, I was approached to take on a new role within the company. Some of the tasks were similar to the quality-control job I'd held in 2007, but at a much higher level. Again, I had an amazing manager who supported me and believed in me even when I didn't.
I also reconciled that my worth was so much more than the amount of my bonus. Sometimes, factors outside my control impacted that number, which was tough. But I always had frequent check-ins with my manager so I always knew where I stood, which was essential.
Illustrated by Mallory Heyer
My most recent move was just about a year-and-a-half ago. At this point, I'm really committed to leadership. I want to be more than a manager, I want to be someone who inspires and challenges people to perform their best work. I love understanding what motivates people and makes them tick. To me, this is the key to success.
Illustrated by Mallory Heyer.
Right now, I'm pretty happy with where I'm at, salary-wise. I've hit and exceeded every financial goal I've set for myself. I also have realized that while obviously salary is important, you can't get so caught up in the numbers that you can't see the bigger picture. If you're making $500,000 and are miserable and burned out, is it worth it? If you're always chasing a bonus are you even enjoying your day-to-day office life? I'm realizing life can't totally be calculated in dollars and cents.
Illustrated by Mallory Heyer.
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