If It Doesn't Make Dollars, It Doesn't Make Sense!!!

Profit
Apr 21
5 min read

Never Forget Your Relationship with Your Employer Overlord is Purely Transactional

Oprah Winfrey sits on a Crystal Throne in her palatial backyard. — Oprah Winfrey didn't become a billionaire by leaving money on the table. While the original author of "If it doesn't make dollars, it doesn't make sense" is unknown, Winfrey is credited for popularizing the catchphrase.

In today's work environment, the saying "hard work pays off" is only a half-truth. If nobody notices or rewards your hard work, then you are merely working to survive! Many dedicated employees pour their energy into their jobs, often feeling disillusioned when performance evaluations come around. It's not just about hard work; it's equally important that this effort translates into tangible rewards. If you've consistently gone the extra mile, and have earned very good to excellent annual performance reviews, it's crucial to devise a solid plan that maximizes this leverage to your gain.

Here are four essential "Reality Checks" to help make sure your hard work is recognized and rewarded.

Money pile on a corporate conference table. — The cash is for there for taking for star performers...if you have the courage to ask!

1. Never Work Overtime for Free

One fundamental rule is to ensure you're compensated for every hour you work, especially if you're a non-exempt employee.

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) mandates that employees should earn time-and-a-half for any hours worked over 40 in a week. Even the most fearsome and manipulative bosses knows this! Thus, if you are concerned about reprisals, you have the law on your side.

Unfortunately, about 28% of workers in the U.S. regularly clock in unpaid overtime, leading to significant lost income over time. For instance, if you work just two hours of unpaid overtime each week, that's over $2,600 per year lost, based on an average wage of $25 per hour.

Protect your income - and the valuable opportunity costs such as personal time, energy, and effort you trade to obtain that income - by always ensuring you are paid for all hours worked.

2. Always Ask for a COLA Upgrade

With inflation rising, it's essential to seek a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to maintain your purchasing power. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation has exceeded 20% over the last decade. Without adjusting your salary, you might find your pay less effective each year through diminishing purchasing power stemming from the effects of inflation. For example, if your current salary is $50,000, failing to seek a "COLA minimum raise" could diminish your buying power to $39,500 in real terms. When approaching your review, back your request with statistics about inflation to strengthen your case.

3. Leverage Your Status as a Star Performer

If you consistently exceed targets, connect well with your supervisor, and contribute positively to workplace culture, it's your time to shine!

During your performance review, consider asking for a 5% pay increase as an initial proposal. Data from PayScale shows that "tippy top" performers often successfully negotiate salary hikes of 10% or more.

For example, if you're earning $60,000, even a 5% increase would raise your salary to $63,000. Make your case confidently; your achievements deserve acknowledgment.

4. Ask For Perks When The Company Claims Poverty

Sometimes, even after a stellar performance, companies may be unable to grant salary increases due to a downturn in business, budget cuts, staff reductions, or short-sided leadership. In such cases, shift your focus to perks, which can significantly enhance your job satisfaction. Rather than solely pursuing more salary, explore other options like comfort, convenience, or deferred cash:

Profit sharing incentives
Stock options
Deferred raise when corporate profits rebound
Remote working days
Flextime schedules
Compressed 4/10 workweeks - work 4 days per week/10 hours per day
Extra paid time off (PTO), comp time, and/or sick leave
Matching 401K (funded in part by corporate tax deductions)
Deferred pension plan (funded in part by corporate tax deductions)
Every other Monday off
Half-day Fridays
Title upgrades
Free parking
Gym stipend
Gas stipend
Bring your pet to work
Any personalized request allowing you more convenience or time for outside activities

These benefits can boost your work-life balance considerably. A Society for Human Resource Management survey found that 60% of employees view benefits and perks as equally important as salary when considering job offers. You are only limited by your imagination to ask for creative and outside-the-box perks that may be relevant to you, but costs your employer little to compensate you - if their money is truly tight.

Your Raise - or Lack Thereof - Speaks Volumes About Your True Standing in the Company

If your company hesitates to recognize your contributions with some form of reward or compensation, you should have a major problem with that - and not roll over like a good sheep on his stomach, begging to be scratched.

Some companies are simply greedy, with management hoarding all discretionary bonus profits for their acolytes or themselves.
Politics can be at play. You might have an "elite enemy" in upper management that blocks your career progress for personal reasons.
Management can be woefully short-sided and not realize keeping their star performers happy is bad for business.
Your Employer Overlord may assume you have no options and doesn't have to go the extra mile to try to keep you happy. Reasons can include your: geographical isolation (Employer knows there's no other comparable work in your town), the company's prestige (Working at a Fortune 100 carries an intangible cache in many social circles) criminal record, lack of overall industry experience, resume gap, you are too invested in personal connections at the company (Father Figure Syndrome), or you are "too old" for job seeking.
Lastly, the company might really be struggling and possesses no extra money for ANYTHING. Immediately keep one eye on the job boards, update your resume, and place feelers in your network for new lily pads to escape to, as your current employer could be in financial danger of insolvency. Recognizing these cues can help you decide whether to stay or look for opportunities where your efforts will be valued more.

Stacks of $100 bills. — You owe it to yourself to cash in on your good work.

Maximize Your Worth

In an environment where financial compensation matters deeply, it's crucial to ensure your hard work translates into rewards. Channel your energy into effective negotiation, knowing that your contributions are worth every penny.

By adopting these strategies during your performance review, you can increase your chances of securing a higher salary or valuable perks. Remember, your professional life is built on mutual respect, recognition, and proper compensation.

If you are getting very good or excellent annual performance reviews, don't be afraid to ask for what you feel you deserve. Smart companies know they got pay top dollar to star performers to retain their services. It's one of the 3 scenarios you actually have leverage with your Employer Overlord. It's not more complicated than that.

Do you think your employer would be coy and play footsie with you if they didn't think you were providing enough value to justify your salary? Not a chance! Your hours, plum projects, or job itself - would be cut so fast, you wouldn't know what hit you. "If your job don't make you enough dollars, it doesn't make sense to stay there! " - Remixed by Profit, 2025

This is the only math equation you should care about!