Bob Young@fifonetworks@infosec.exchange
It’s time to revisit the “know your worth” concept, and you may not like what I’m about to tell you. Specifically, I’m talking about compensation. Your paycheck and benefits. Money.
I’m NOT talking about your intrinsic personhood.
When it comes to art, or collectibles, or antiques, we’re all familiar with this idea:
“How much is it worth?”
“It’s worth whatever you can sell it for.”
It’s also true with ordinary merchandise. The “sweet spot” for pricing is:
Not too low, or you’re missing out on profits.
Not too high, or you won’t make as many sales.
And it’s not just physical merchandise. There’s an optimal price point for services, too.
The drycleaner. The housekeeping service. Lawncare. Tax preparation.
“How much can I sell my service for?”
“What the market will bear.”
Here’s the part you’re not going to like to hear: it’s also true about the monetary value of knowledge workers.
Information technology, cybersecurity, software development.
According to an article published in TechCrunch on July 31, there have been a lot of layoffs in the tech industry: more than 150,000 job cuts last year, and the workforce reductions continue this year. Microsoft, for example, cut more than 6,500 jobs in May, and another 9,000 in July. (Link https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/31/tech-layoffs-2025-list/).
So, what does that mean for you?
1. It means if you’re holding out for a job that pays you more than you made before you became unemployed, you’re going to be unemployed a long time. Meanwhile, someone else is going to take that lower paying job and keep making their house payments. But they won’t make yours.
2. It means if you insist on doing work in a narrow specialty instead of doing other work in the same industry, you’re choosing self-image over income. “I’m a pen tester” may translate to, “I’m an unemployed person who prefers to stay that way.”
Any source of income – selling merchandise, selling services, or selling your unique knowledge – is subject to the uncaring, unfeeling laws of supply and demand. Right now – same as last year, and the year before – your monetary worth is “what the market will bear.” You are in competition.
When you scream at the universe, “I know my worth!” make sure you’re not kidding yourself.