Salary Story: I Doubled My Salary As A Contractor

In our series Salary Stories, women with long-term career experience open up about the most intimate details of their jobs: compensation. It’s an honest look at how real people navigate the complicated world of negotiating, raises, promotions and job loss, with the hope it will give young women more insight into how to advocate for themselves — and maybe take a few risks along the way.

Been in the workforce for at least five years and interested in contributing your salary story? Submit your information here. Published stories receive £100.

Age: 27
Location: Dublin
Current industry and job title: Media, content writer
Current salary: €78,000
Number of years employed since school or university: Six

Starting salary: €24,000 in 2016
Biggest salary jump: €33,000 to €78,000 in 2022
Biggest salary drop: None

Biggest negotiation regret: I took a lower salary to get into a company I really wanted to work in. It was then very difficult to get any pay increases in the four years I worked there as I started out on an amount lower than market average. I had to leave the company in the end as my growth and progression wasn't recognised by a salary increase.

Best salary advice: Take the time to research what the market rate in your industry is and know your worth. Unless you really have to, don't take any position which offers less than market value.