The awful truth Mom and Dad didn’t let you in on is that moving up the corporate ladder is usually an extremely slow process.  “Just work hard and it’ll all pay off sweetie!”  That’s absolutely true, but if you’re like me, you’d prefer not to wait until you’re 50 to actually see a healthy pay check.

Some will move up fast based on outstanding abilities (shameless self-promotion), pedigree (Harvard on the resume), or top-level connections (brown-noser).  I’m not bitter, just sayin’ is all.  For the rest of us worker bees, we can only move up at an accelerated pace if others above us are leaving or we’re lucky enough to work for a fast-growing company (not a lot of those around right now).  There are, however, some time-tested exceptions to this reality.  Be willing to do the following, and you’ll have more money (and mo’ problems) in no time flat:

1) Give Presentations.

To many people, nothing is scarier than delivering a heart-racing, sweaty-palmed presentation in front of a group of their peers and superiors.  They’ll avoid it like the plague, because it’s way outside their comfort zone, and it feels like a big risk (what if I suck?!?).  But what greater way to enhance your visibility with the company?  And the truth is, you’re really not expected to be very good at it since it’s not your normal job, so you can only meet or exceed expectations.  Think of the leaders in your office for a moment.  Do they present well?  There’s a reason they’re now leaders.  Next time you get the opportunity to give a presentation - or better yet, create one - raise your hand and kick some butt.

2) Hop on a plane.

Most people don’t mind the occassional business trip.  In fact, many enjoy it.  But if you threaten them with regular travel, people tend to freak out about the potential rift in their coveted work/life equilibrium they’ve worked so hard to develop.  But you’re young, and you’re a pro.  If there’s a job that requires heavy travel, it probably pays a lot as well.  And it’s also probably a job that has a lot of visibility (see #1).  You might not love it, but if you want to move up fast, get yourself a new suit and some luggage, and hit the skies.  Your paycheck will soon follow.

3) Pack your bags.

Most people, especially the older ones with families, will not move.  Leaving friends, uprooting kids, forcing their spouse to quit their job, etc. are all terrifying deal-breakers.  This unwillingness on their part could be a huge opportunity for you.  When an opportunity opens up 1,000 miles away, there are likely people you work with who are more qualified, but they won’t go.  I’m not saying you should, but be aware that if you’re working in Corporate America, a willingness to move is generally rewarded handsomely if they decide they want you to make the move.

A wise boss once told me that to achieve success, we must do those things that others are either unwilling or unable to do.  In my own experience, I’ve found the unwilling part to be the most common.  I’m not suggesting that any of these situations be what you strive for, but be aware that these are the hard to fill jobs that companies generally pay a good deal for.

Photo by Tobiasoft