Why You Are Worth More to Everyone Except Your Boss.

It is the most painful paradox in the maritime industry: The person who knows the least often gets paid the most.

You see it happen. A new hire joins the team. They don't know the vessels. They don't know the systems. They ask you for help. But you find out they are earning 20% more than you.

It feels like a betrayal. But it isn't personal. It is structural.

To your current employer, you are a known quantity. You are reliable. You keep the ship running. In the eyes of the budget, you are a Maintenance Cost. And companies always try to keep maintenance costs low.

To a new employer, you are not maintenance. You are the answer to a burning problem. You are the expert coming in to save the day. In the eyes of the budget, you are a Capital Investment. And companies are willing to pay a premium for investments.

You cannot change how your current company sees you. Once you are in the Maintenance bucket, it is very hard to break out.

If you want to be paid for your Value rather than your Cost, you often have to change the audience.

You don't need to work harder. You just need to be seen as a Solution again.