If you think you’re being underpaid, go test that theory in the job market. I’m serious. There’s no better way to either confirm that theory or learn you need to revise it than putting your resume out there and seeing how the market votes.
I’d recommend that everyone do this at least every couple of years. Especially since for most people, they’re going to see their largest salary increases by moving to a different employer. The days of staying at the same company for years and years while hoping you’re one of the seemingly random people selected for elevation are long over. I’d tell anyone graduating from college today, “Don’t plan on staying at the same employer more than 3 or 4 years. 5 years max. Otherwise be OK with meager annual raises that barely, if at all, keep up with inflation. If you want to keep your salary growing you either have to get promoted or leave. If those promotions aren’t regularly happening every 3 or 4 years then you’ve been indirectly notified what your employer thinks about your work and your future at that company.”
Bumped from @e6+1m3msfzc4.