How to Know Your Worth and Advocate for Yourself at Work
Ever felt like you’re working twice as hard but getting half the credit? Do you find yourself sitting quietly in meetings, nodding along, even when your mind is bursting with brilliant ideas, simply because you don’t want to stand out? You’re not alone!
For many of us Latinas, navigating the corporate world can feel like an uphill battle. But here’s the thing: it’s time to change the game and stand tall in your power. Let’s talk about how you can start advocating for yourself.
1. Understand Your Worth
First things first, you’ve got to know your worth. And I mean really know it. We often grow up hearing we should be humble (which is great), but it sometimes makes us sell ourselves short.
Start with a little self-assessment to remind yourself of your value. Grab a notebook or open a notes app and list out your skills. Think of positive feedback you’ve received at work. And don’t be shy — ask your peers and mentors for their insights. Sometimes, they see strengths in you that you might overlook.
Remember that big project you led or the time you saved the day with an innovative solution? All of this counts! You'd be surprised at how many amazing things you’ve done that you might not think about on the day-to-day.
2. Keep Track of Your Wins
Now that you understand your worth, let’s talk about the practical aspects of advocating for yourself. One powerful tool is documenting your achievements. Keep a journal (or a digital log) of all the cool stuff you’ve done at work—no matter how small it seems. Trust me, they add up!
When it’s time for performance reviews or you’re prepping to ask for a raise, this journal will be your best friend. It’s much easier to make a case for yourself when you have real examples. Use numbers whenever possible.
Did your project increase revenue by 20%? Write it down. Did you streamline a process that saved your team countless hours? That’s gold, my friend.
3. Build a Case for Raises and Promotions
Now, let’s get to the good stuff: raises and promotions. You deserve them, and it’s time to build a solid case. Start with some detective work — research what others in similar roles are earning using sites like Glassdoor or Payscale.
Next, link your achievements to the company’s goals. How have you contributed to the bottom line? Here’s how you might phrase it:
"Over the past year, I developed a marketing campaign that boosted our social media engagement by 50% and simplified our customer outreach process. These efforts directly contribute to the company’s visibility and growth."
Frame your accomplishments to show that you’re not just valuable — you’re indispensable. Remember, it’s not about being demanding; it’s about claiming what you’ve rightfully earned.
4. Master the Art of Negotiation
Negotiation can feel intimidating, but you’ve got this. Timing is everything — ideally, you want to bring up these conversations during performance reviews or right after a big win at work.
Be clear about what you want and why you deserve it. Here’s a short script to get you started:
"I’ve loved contributing to the team and am proud of my achievements, like leading the marketing campaign that boosted our engagement by 50%. Given these contributions, I’d like to discuss a salary adjustment to better reflect my role and impact."
If they counter with a lower offer, you can respond with:
"I appreciate your offer and would like to find a middle ground that reflects my contributions and the industry standards I’ve researched. I believe a [specific percentage or dollar amount] increase is fair."
Practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to rehearse with a trusted friend or mentor. Stay calm and confident. After all, you’ve earned this!
5. Crush Those Limiting Beliefs
Let’s get real about those limiting beliefs that can hold you back. Imposter syndrome can sneak up on anyone, especially us Latinas. Fight this by regularly reminding yourself of your value and worth.
Try using positive affirmations. Here are a few that resonate with me:
"I am worthy of success."
"My voice is powerful and I’m using it."
"I’ve worked hard to be here, and I’m just getting started."
Visualize your success and surround yourself with a supportive community that lifts you up. Remember: you’re not just taking up space — you belong here. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.
Final Thoughts
Advocating for yourself is about embracing your worth and not being afraid to ask for what you deserve. It might feel tough at first, but with these strategies, you’ll be owning your space in no time.
So go out there, own your talents, and let your voice be heard. ¡Tú puedes, chica!
