The Hingham Journal

October 9, 2008

So What Are You Worth?

So, just what is the value of an item? If we’re talking about stocks or bonds, well, the picture isn’t too pretty, as we all know. The value changes daily and usually in an unfavorable direction. If you’re fortunate enough to own a house, what’s the value of it today as compared to a year ago?

And how about you? Do you know what your value is? No, I’m not talking about your bank account, or retirement savings. I’m talking about your value in the work place. Are you being paid what your real worth is? Could you negotiate with your boss to get the compensation that is representative of your skills, experience, and abilities? If you’re like me, the answer is probably “no”.

Tuesday evening, October 14 the Hingham Area branch of AAUW, will be hosting “Negotiating Your Worth” at the Hingham Library at 7 PM. Pam Pollock who is the Regional Resource Consultant for the YMCA’s of Massachusetts, will be speaking about advocating for your worth in the workplace, as well as negotiation strategies to fit your communication style. She’ll talk about the other equally important job issues such as flex time, work hours and child care. Pam facilitates training in racial justice, financial literacy, woman’s economic empowerment, and advocacy in public policy, and we look forward to having her speak for us. As always, the event is free and open to the public.

So, if you are or know of any recent graduates who are entering the work force, or maybe you’re considering returning to work, this is the place to start. If you’ve been working all along, but know you’re not being paid your true value, then you owe it to yourself, to come and get your true “worth”.

Holders of associate’s or bachelor’s degrees who live in the South Shore towns from Plymouth to Quincy are welcome to join the Hingham Area Branch. To learn more about AAUW, call Patricia McKay at 781-337-3375, or email: hollie@gallivan>org. Visit the branch web site at aauw-ma.org and follow the links to the Hingham Branch.

Column by Gwen Sayian, a Hingham resident and member of AAUW

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