That’s what a former colleague told me.

My second job as a dedicated UX Architect, I was making $90K.

One month into the job, the design lead and I went to lunch and got on the subject of salaries. I told him how I tried to negotiate my offer to $100K but the company wouldn’t budge past $90K.

He dismissively told me he wasn’t surprised.

He was on the panel during my interview and knew my resume and experience. He said since I only had an Associates degree and came from a graphic and web design background, I’d probably never make $100K.

The nerve of this effing guy.

I said (to myself using much harsher expletives) screw that and screw you. I mentally checked out, and went back to studying and started my job search back up.

Again, I was one month into the job, except there was one difference in my approach as I got back on the UX job market this time.

I was pissed off.

All my life I’ve had people close to me, friends and family, telling me what I couldn’t do. This guy barely knew me and figured he had sized me up the same?

To hell with that noise.

3 months later I got an offer to join Wells Fargo for $120K. Now I have a much stronger entry on my resume, and some smug satisfaction that to be honest, I think I earned.

Has anyone in your career assumed they have some manner of control over you?

Don’t accept someone else’s rules for your career or your wallet.

Oh, and don’t doubt me or my tribe unless you’re starving. We will make you eat your words.