When I think about how compensation can shape someone’s behavior, my mother’s early career journey stands out clearly. She became a single mother at just 18 years old, and every job decision she made during that time was driven by one motivating factor: earning enough money to provide stability for her daughter. Her story shows how compensation can directly influence behavior, especially when basic needs are at stake.
Her first job was at Mervyn’s, working part time in customer service for $5.25 an hour while she attended the local junior college and lived with her mother. Although she was grateful for the job, she knew the pay wouldn’t allow her to become independent. That is what pushed her to leave Mervyn’s for a job as a teller at First Interstate Bank making $7.35 an hour. In her mind, this was a huge step up and she finally was able to move into her own apartment.
After a few months living on her own, she discovered that independence came with a lot of financial stress. Since she didn’t receive any child support from her daughter’s biological father but she did have the support of her family. Rent, groceries, and childcare added up quickly. She needed a job with benefits and higher pay and that is when she accepted a full time job as an eligibility worker for the county earning $11.00 an hour with reliable hours and benefits. My mother worked for the county for 34 years and retired in 2024 as an Assistant Director over the Eligibility and Financial Services Bureau. This job enabled her to put three children through school and gave me and my family a stable life.
Each job change she made was directly tied to compensation. The higher the pay, the more she could provide for her daughter. Compensation is what shaped her behavior and allowed her to meet basic needs and establish a career. In this example, her experience reflects the idea that financial security can be one of the strongest motivators, especially when someone is responsible for supporting a family.