It continues to be interesting how I fall victim to the same psychological foibles I read about and teach about. I guess it shouldn't be surprising given that I am a human being (despite what some people would say).
So, I know fully well that satisfaction should be based on the absolute value of the benefit you get. If you are given $100 why should the value of the $100 diminish just because you find out that your friend was given $150? But, we know it does. It triggers the "fairness" reaction that results in people repeatedly choosing to gain nothing rather than gaining something small while your "opponent" gains a large amount. Despite puzzling classical economists, it has been considered quite normal among behavioral scientists.
So, we get our listing of department salaries this week. And though I tried to tell myself I was being irrational, I couldn't suppress a surge of frustration and anger when I see a colleague get paid significantly more than me despite a lot of other work factors being the same. Interestingly, I keep telling myself I'm being silly, but can't get rid of the feeling that maybe I should do something about it. The question is not only what? but why?
2 comments:
Is there no rational reason? Like longevity?
I know that in K's work, longevity is solely responsible for the difference in salaries. Age and experience have little to do with it.
What we all need to do, however, is try to be content with what we do have. You could be doing a lot worse. Take a good look at the cashier at the grocery store making $12 an hour to stand on his feet all day and thank your lucky stars your life took a different path.
Exactly my point. I think I'm very lucky to have what I have. There is no good reason to judge your satisfaction based on what someone else has. I know that I'm lucky to have what I have and that I should have no business being dissatisfied just because someone has more. That's what makes my reaction interesting to me (and to some extent inexplicable).
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