What should I do if I feel overworked and underpaid but doubt my chances of finding a higher-paying job?

Feeling overworked and underpaid can wear down your confidence, so your uncertainty about finding something better is understandable. You do not need to resign before learning what the market may offer. Current labor data suggests that workers are changing jobs less readily than during the Great Resignation, but millions of openings still exist. The practical approach is to investigate your options while keeping your current income and benefits in place.

Start by documenting your workload for two to four weeks. Record your responsibilities, hours, completed projects, measurable results, and duties that were added after you accepted the role. Then compare your actual work with current full-time job postings for similar positions in your location or target remote market. Look beyond base salary to health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, schedule flexibility, and expected hours. Recent wage data shows that pay growth varies substantially by occupation, so broad national averages may not reflect your particular field. If you are regularly working more than 40 hours, also confirm whether you are correctly classified as exempt or non-exempt. Federal overtime protections generally require eligible non-exempt employees to receive one and one-half times their regular rate for hours beyond 40 in a workweek, although state rules and individual circumstances can differ. Check the latest official guidance or consult a qualified employment professional if you suspect unpaid wages.

Use your documentation in a focused conversation with your manager. Ask for either a compensation review, a narrower workload, additional support, or a defined timeline for advancement. At the same time, update your resume and apply selectively to a small number of well-matched full-time positions. Interviews can provide useful evidence about your market value even if you ultimately stay. Set a decision point, such as six to eight weeks, and evaluate whether your employer has made a concrete improvement and whether outside applications are producing interest. Confidence does not have to come before the search; it often grows from gathering evidence and testing your options.