11 Signs You're Doing Poorly At Work Because You're Not Getting Paid Enough To Bother Trying Harder
kaboompics.com | Pexels More than 30% of American workers are unhappy with their compensation at work and over 80% are resentful that their employers aren't compensating them for rising living costs, according to a survey from Pew Research Center. They're not only stressed in their jobs and overworked in the office, they’re finding it difficult to afford the basics.
It's common for employees to fall into a cycle of negativity and self-doubt. Their work may begin to suffer, but it's not because they're bad at their jobs. Rather, they aren't getting paid enough to try harder and put in more effort.
Signs you're not getting paid enough at work to try harder
1. You're easily irritable with colleagues
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According to a 2023 survey, more than 55% of employees agree that their employer believes their workplace is a lot mentally healthier than it actually is. This disconnect can cause resentment in employees, whether they're dealing with micromanagement or unfair treatment.
When employees are struggling with their mental health, it makes them believe they're bad at their job or are less worthy of compensation. But really, they're just not getting paid enough to expend more effort.
2. You feel anxious about your career goals
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According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll, more than half of American workers want a career change in the wake of unhappiness and dissatisfaction in their current roles. Harvard Business Review experts suggest this data could be in response to a "crisis of meaning" in the workplace, where employees are reconsidering their roles amid economic hardships and uncertainty.
If they're not able to secure appropriate compensation, finding another job that better supports their other values seems appropriate. But it can also be disorienting, especially to someone who based their identity around their job.
3. You dread going to work
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When people aren't getting paid enough at work, they feel demoralized and not good enough. But even if they're doing poorly in the workplace, their productivity or quality of work isn't always the sole determining factor of their compensation.
Feeling underpaid actually doubles the probability that an employee will experience emotional turmoil and anxiety on any given workday. This can affect their productivity and general mood. So, even if your work has taken a toll or you feel less motivated, it just means you're not getting paid nearly enough to spend anymore energy on your job.
4. You procrastinate on important projects
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While a 2014 study suggests that nearly 25% of adults are chronic procrastinators, these tendencies are also connected to depression and burnout in employees dealing with a toxic workplace. Self-doubt can encourage employees to procrastinate, but it can also be a coping mechanism for fear and uncertainty.
In addition to workplace pressures, it's also possible for procrastination tendencies to be linked with larger mental health struggles like ADHD or PTSD. Without proper support from colleagues or accommodations at work to mediate the effects of these conditions, employees are set up to fail.
5. You struggle to relax after work
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When you're feeling underpaid and undervalued at work, it's not uncommon to bring those negative feelings home with you. Your interpersonal relationships suffer and you're constantly anxious. You're less willing to invest into personal time and hobbies when you're burnt out.
According to the American Psychological Association, 26% of workers experiencing burnout also reported a lack of interest and energy, both in their personal and professional lives. When you're living in a state of constant resentment or fear, you can't simply turn off your nervous system when you get home, unless you're mindful about it.
6. You haven't received a raise in years
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According to experts from Indeed, there are a number of reasons why you might not have received a raise in over two years at work. If you haven't asked for one, that's your first step, but there are other determinants. Unless your company has scaled back or is experiencing an economic downturn, it's relatively normal and expected for employees to receive a bonus after a couple of years with a company.
If you haven't received a raise in years, with little explanation or feedback on why despite asking, it might be why you aren't bothering to try harder. Making the decision to leave a company over compensation is completely valid, but make sure you do what's in your best interest.
7. Your responsibilities have grown, but your salary has not
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It's important to recognize when an employer is taking advantage of you. It's not uncommon for high-achieving individuals to take on additional projects and constantly say yes, but demonstrating success and high productivity should eventually be met with an increase in pay.
If you're not being financially supported or valued by your employer, there's little to no reason to sacrifice your mental health for the sake of their success. If your responsibilities continue to grow at work but you remain underpaid, it's time to make a change.
8. You've lost the passion for your job
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It's common for workers to lose motivation and passion for a job they once loved. When they aren't paid enough or are going through something, the last thing on their mind is trying harder. The rise of workplace trends like quiet quitting is representative of this shift.
While a loss of purpose at work can sometimes be a signal to leave, it's really just a symptom of not getting paid enough. Losing passion or feeling unmotivated doesn't mean you're bad at your job, it can simply be a coping mechanism for dealing with burnout and stress.
9. Your boss avoids conversations about compensation
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A great boss will always make the time to meet your needs and provide constructive feedback. If you feel unheard by a leader or like you're constantly fighting for time to discuss compensation or your performance, why would you want to try harder at your job?
Having a bad or immature boss can truly taint an employee's entire workplace experience. In fact, data from LinkedIn suggests that 70% of workers would leave their jobs over a bad boss. Suffering with a bad boss can sabotage your career growth and passion for work if you stick around too long.
10. You struggle to concentrate at work
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Resentment and depression are signs of a burnt out employee. But these aren't just emotional experiences, they can also lead to a number of physical ailments like headaches and difficulty concentrating. It makes productivity at work that much more difficult, according to a study from the Journal of Headache and Pain.
While coping with not making enough money might be fueled by self-doubt and frustration, it can also spiral into a physical one. And that makes work much more exhausting and burdensome.
11. You get verbal praise often
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Many employers who depend on a worker's leadership and productivity overcompensate for underpaying them by giving tons of verbal praise or subpar gifts to celebrate their accomplishments. An employee who allows their employer to overwork them and take advantage without extra pay may receive all the compliments in the world, but never a true financial appreciation.
Even promotions and special projects are tainted by a lack of additional compensation. It disillusions workers who feel proud and appreciative of praise, while they're still struggling to maintain financial stability at home.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor’s degree in social relations & policy and gender studies who focuses on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
