What Your Wages Should Be

In the book of Genesis, Laban poses a critical question to his relative Jacob: “Just because you are a relative of mine, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.” Though this exchange may seem like a mundane conversation about finances, it highlights an essential lesson of self-value and negotiation.

Often, we have the tendency to work for free or accept lower wages because of societal norms or emotional ties. However, it is essential to recognize our worth and know how to communicate that value effectively. We should not be ashamed to advocate for ourselves and our financial needs. Laban’s question teaches us the importance of negotiation, setting realistic expectations and putting a fair value on our work.

In essence, through Laban’s example, we learn the importance of valuing ourselves and asking the necessary questions when given a task. By doing so, we prevent undervaluing ourselves and negotiate effectively, leading to a more productive and fulfilling life.