Knowing Your Worth: Never Accept Less

Know Your Worth: Never Accept Less: Save for Challenging Times

The climate of the world is shifting more than ever before. From the rising cost of living to the instability of the job market, everything feels more complicated, more uncertain, and more demanding than it once was. But when you are a self-aware person — someone who knows their value, who understands their contributions, who recognizes their worth — navigating this landscape becomes even more challenging.

Because self-awareness brings clarity.

And clarity leaves no room for settling.

I have talked about this topic before, highlighting my beliefs in previous posts, but today I want to emphasize it again — boldly and intentionally.

Because I matter. You matter. And we are worthy of lives, opportunities, and relationships that reflect that truth.

Recent Experiences Have Left Me Shocked

Up until now, I didn’t fully grasp how common certain behaviors were in the job market — misleading job postings, bait-and-switch salaries, dishonest hiring conversations, and the undervaluing of highly qualified candidates. But recent experiences forced me to confront the reality that these issues are real, widespread, and deeply ingrained.

I had to pause and remind myself of something fundamental:

No, I am not accepting less than I am worth.

No, I will not diminish my value for the comfort of others.

No, I will not compromise my integrity or principles for a paycheck.

I know who I am. I know what I bring. I refuse to bend my standards for anyone — or any organization — that does not stand in truth.

“Take Me as I Am, or Leave Me in Peace”

One of my favorite personal sayings is:

“I am who I am, what I am, that I am. Take me as I am, or leave me in peace, and keep yours.”

This sentiment is grounded in spiritual teachings found in Matthew 10:14 and Nehemiah 5:13 — and echoed in the Qur’an and Hadith. While I am not religious, I do believe in God, and I believe that releasing what isn’t aligned is a sacred act of self-respect.

And lately, life has been testing this belief in very real ways.

I Am Worthy — And I Will Not Accept Less

I have been searching for a new employment opportunity for more than six months. And yes, I could have accepted certain roles — but choosing yourself sometimes means choosing to walk away.

Let me be clear: I have been humble, realistic, and intentional in my search. I’ve applied everywhere — from retail chains to service restaurants — not because I undervalue myself, but because I value stability, structure, and purpose.

What Happened at Cook Out

I interviewed for a General Manager position. The listed salary range was $70,000–$100,000.

When I arrived, I immediately sensed something off. There were multiple applicants, and the interview began with a presentation that quickly revealed that the advertised salary was not real. They announced that all new hires start at the bottom — $17 an hour — regardless of experience or the position applied for.

That is not how you build professional relationships.

That is not honesty.

That is not integrity.

I stood up, wished the other candidate well, and walked out — not because of the pay, but because deceit is not an acceptable foundation for employment.

The Staffing Agency Contract

A staffing agency contacted me based on a friend’s recommendation. I shared my bottom line — the minimum I need to survive, pay bills, and maintain life stability.

The contract?

Only three months long.

Paying $15,000 less than my bottom line.

The recruiter told me, “It’s better than no money. ”In theory, she was right. But in practice, accepting that contract would have:

• removed me from the job market

• halted interviews I had already scheduled

• left me financially underwater

• put me back at square one in 90 days

  
  

Short-term contracts typically pay more because of the instability. This one paid significantly less.

And choosing it would have been choosing struggle — not progress.

Nobody Should Have to Work Multiple Jobs to Survive

I know my minimum. I know my net-to-gross calculations down to the dollar. I know what it takes to live — not thrive, just survive.

If a company cannot pay an employee enough to meet their basic needs, then it does not deserve that employee’s labor, time, or loyalty.

And I refuse to pour 40+ hours a week into an organization that cannot support the basic life necessities of the people it hires.

The PayBright Experience

I applied for a Finance Manager position with PayBright in Raleigh. I passed:

• the Excel assessment

• two virtual interviews

• one onsite interview

  
  

I met every requirement — and exceeded most 2X.

Then the offer came in. It was below the listed salary range.

The recruiter could not explain why. I asked for them to send over the offer so I could review the entire compensation package for consideration. The Head of Operations gave an unclear justification that didn’t align with the role or my qualifications.

Then came the written offer — which did not even specify PTO days or recognized holidays. Just vague statements with no detail.

I drafted a negotiation email, fully expecting the offer might be rescinded. And it was.

They refused to negotiate. Refused to clarify. Refused to answer basic benefits questions.

The truth was plain:

The job posting was misleading. The process lacked transparency. And the organization lacked integrity.

I may have met my bottom line financially — but not spiritually, ethically, or professionally.

And that matters.

I Know My Worth — I Dodged a Bullet

I truly believe that when you stand firm in your worth, you send a clear message:

I am ready for what is meant for me.

I will no longer settle for what is not aligned.

Had PayBright been honest from the start, I could have made an informed decision. If they had posted the actual range — even if it was lower — I may have still applied. I may have still accepted.

Because honesty builds trust.

Their dishonesty revealed everything I needed to know.

Choosing Yourself Opens Doors That Are Meant for You

I know the right opportunity is coming — one aligned with my skills, ethics, and purpose. I do not enjoy being in the job market. I hope this is the last time I ever have to be here.

But settling for less would only guarantee that I return to this same situation again.

Instead, I choose patience. I choose alignment. I choose myself.

**Know Your Worth. Never Accept Less.

And don’t accept the hype.**

Lovingly Me,

Annie Marie