Dear Anne Marie: After twenty years in my field, I'm a highly respected expert within my regional business community. Everything was great until I discovered that there are less experienced external consultants earning a lot more than I do. This is really unfair. Should I quit my job and start my own consulting business?
   — Gloria S.

Dear Gloria: You are a stable, dependable and knowledgeable professional. You care deeply about your credibility and work hard to maintain it. People like you are the backbone of every organization.

Managing The Moment

The "Moment to Manage" is your feeling of entitlement. Entitlement is a feeling of being "owed". You feel that you are owed more money for your greater experience. Beware of the dangers lurking around the corner when you operate under the banner of "life owes me". It's a lofty perch you are sitting on and if you are not careful, you just might fall off!

The Game Plan

First, stop complaining that "it's not fair". Issues of "fair" and "unfair" are kid's issues. In a kid's world other people have the all the power and so they tend to compensate by evaluating every decision from the point of view of "it's all about me". You can't afford to think like a child while you are on the job. Stop any thoughts that lead you to "it's unfair".

Second, get all the facts before jumping to conclusions. Perhaps these external consultants are not profiting as much as you think are. There is a multitude of hidden costs, in both time and money, when you run your own business. At the end of the day you may be taking home more money than the consultants are.

Third, value the path you have chosen. You are a successful, highly respected and, until recently, an enormously satisfied professional. Your choices over the last twenty years have led you to this coveted place. Do not allow envy of others to skew your perceptions and reduce your satisfaction.

Fourth, always think from the big picture. Any decision you make today will have an impact on your future. Ask yourself, "If I stay in my current position will I earn enough money to meet my needs?" or "If I become an external consultant will I have enough time for my personal life?" Which option will satisfy the "big picture" of your life vs. the little picture of "more money."

Finally, comparisons are rarely accurate or helpful. They present a distorted view of people and situations. When we compare we tend to judge others as "better than us" or "less than us". This helps no one. You are unique in your combination of talents and there is not another person who can bring what you bring to the table. Real satisfaction in your career is derived from this perspective. So instead of comparing, focus on what you love and what you do well; appreciate your colleagues and friends and all the riches that you have earned from a life well lived.