Talking pay is rarely easy in the workplace. Employers generally discourage salary talk, and looking out for your people can result in accusations of "unionizing." What they're really afraid of is learning what you're worth to them as compared to your colleagues. There are downsides to these conversations - feelings can get hurt, especially when you learn that you make a lot less than a new hire after over a year of helping the company profit. Ultimately, however, knowledge is power, and it's good to know when you're getting stiffed and should start looking for another position with a less stingy and dysfunctional company.
Twitter user @lilykonings addresses this succinctly in a tweet from earlier this year. In her posts, she expresses that people need to unzip their mouths where compensation is concerned.
"Please talk salary with friends and peers. As someone who grew up pinching pennies couldn't even fathom amount could get paid tech moved SF asked 100K, received phenomenal offer at $120K, then realized everyone getting paid $150K."
The tweet resonated with a lot of people, who chimed in with their own stories of being underpaid and sticking up for themselves.
