Across economies, wages are designed to cover living expenses, not to build lasting wealth. Even at senior levels, salaries often grow more slowly than inflation or lifestyle costs. Understanding why helps professionals make informed choices about their financial future.
Negotiating salary without undervaluing yourself is not about conflict—it’s about clarity, preparation, and confidence. In a competitive market, it’s those who understand their worth, research thoroughly, practice their ask, and approach negotiations strategically who shift outcomes.
For professionals, the sobering conclusion is this: “enough” is negotiable, contingent and strategic. It is negotiable because individuals can shape their value through skills, reputation and mobility. It is contingent because personal circumstances—location, dependants, and career stage—alter the arithmetic.
