Am I Overvaluing Myself—Or Being Overlooked?

Sitting With the Discomfort When You See Your Job Posted for More Than What You Make

You’ve put in the work. You’ve built experience, taken on more, and grown into your role.
You know what you contribute—and you’ve built a sense of what you’re worth.

But then, out of nowhere, you see your exact job posted.
Same title. Same responsibilities. Higher starting pay.

And suddenly, a quiet question forms in the back of your mind:

“Wait… what does that mean about me?”

It’s a destabilizing feeling.

You start second-guessing the value you’ve assigned to your work.
You wonder if you’ve been overestimating your worth.
Or if, quietly, the company has been underestimating it.

And in that in-between space, where your self-perception and external validation don’t match, it’s easy to feel exposed.
Not angry. Not jealous. Just… unsure.
About how you’re seen. About what you’re worth.
About whether your confidence has been misplaced—or overlooked.

When External Signals Clash With Internal Worth

This isn’t just about money. It’s about meaning.
It’s the emotional friction that happens when your sense of value no longer feels mutual.

There may be valid business reasons for the pay difference. Markets shift. Salary bands rise. New hires sometimes get better deals.  It is called a job market.

But even when that’s true, it doesn’t make your feelings disappear.
Because you didn’t change—yet the value of your role somehow did.

That realization can be deeply unsettling.
And it’s okay to sit with that discomfort for a moment.

From Unsettled to Validated

You don’t have to leap into action. But if you feel ready to move forward, here are a few thoughtful steps:

• Reaffirm your value privately. Make a quiet list of what you’ve achieved, how you’ve grown, and the impact you’ve had. This is your grounding.
• Check the market. Look at current salary data for your role in your region. External benchmarks can help validate your gut feelings.
• Decide if you want a conversation. If you do, come prepared. Focus on facts, not feelings: your contributions, your current compensation, and how it compares to the new offer.
• Stay open to outcomes. Whether the answer is yes, not now, or no, your worth doesn’t change. This moment may confirm your value—or push you toward something better.

Final Thought

Feeling shaken by a job posting isn’t an overreaction. It’s a sign that you care—about your work, your growth, and how you’re valued.

At Dealing With Debt, we know that financial wellness isn’t just about numbers. It’s about self-worth, stability, and the stories we tell ourselves about what we deserve.

That’s why we’re here—to reduce stress, build confidence, and create a more stable future. One honest reflection, one brave conversation, and one budget at a time.