So what are you paid for?

A couple of years ago, a software developer of mine asked me why aren't people who get to do harder work get paid more? His argument was that people like construction workers, miners, and those doing dirty jobs should be paid a premium primarily because their job was tougher and more labor intensive. This got me thinking really hard to come up with an answer because to a certain degree, his argument was logical.

Given the fact that my wife, who's a domestic diva, complains about the household chores and doesn't get paid for it, makes the argument more pressing.

If you take a look at the common stereotype we have for top executives, playing golf as part of "business", attending social events, and even having huge corner offices with nothing but papers on their desks to sign (whereas coders and testers have half-a-cube filled w/ source code print-outs, test reports, and user manuals) - we can but only think that this does not seem right. If you work more, you should get paid more, right?

WRONG.

So what are you paid for?

The short and simple truth is that people are paid based on their ability to think and decide. That's it. Period.

Ok. Step back a bit and look at each job you can think of and the level of thinking and decision making involved for each job and relate that to how much each job is being paid. Of course there will be variances here and there, including nuances such as hazard conditions and market demands, but the general trend is towards the notion that the more you think and decide in your job, the better is your paycheck.

This is why software developers are paid higher than construction workers. This is why a doctor is paid more than a nursing aide. This is why people who do menial tasks, such as washing dishes at the local fast-food pays significantly less than a heart-surgeon doing a triple by-pass surgery. This is why you are most likely paid less than your pointy haired boss.

On the bright side of things, Now that you are aware of this general truth - take it to yourself to accept more levels of responsibility from your company. Do not be afraid to make the call. Show management that you can think and decide - and the moolah will come.