Well, for one they, they give you a sense as to whether or not you're getting ahead. You see, if you're not advancing in terms of your compensation . . . you're going backwards!

The reason for that is that, on the one hand, the economy is growing. On the other hand, so is inflation. The cost of what you pay for things is going up. So to stay ahead you have to be in a position where you can command more money.

Sometimes you're in an employment where the cost of living increases in your wages is handled, say, by a union contract or some other kind of built-in mechanism. But if that's not the case for you, then it's up to you to something about your own welfare.

So, take a look at typical weekly median wages for 2005 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. See where you fit it.

Petroleum Engineers: $1923
Actuaries: $1639
Lawyers: $1609
Economists: $1569
Chiropractors: $1531
Aerospace Engineers $1362
Medical and Health Service Managers: $1089
Meeting and Convention Planners: $912
Loan Counselors and Officers: $861
Elementary Schoolteachers: $826
Funeral Directors: $768
Social Workers: $700
Pest Control Workers: $508
Animal Trainers: $482
Actors: $481
Child-Care Workers: $332
Dishwasher: $296

Here are the steps you need to take to assure you can get ahead in your current job:

1. Do your homework before you do anything. What have others in your organization done to get a salary increase? What is the basis your boss uses for compensation hikes? . . . performance? . . . creativity? . . . friendship?

2. Ask your boss what you can do to make yourself more valuable to the company. And ask him/her during a routine performance review. NEVER ask for a raise. Instead, ask how you can make a larger contribution.

3. Be prepared to demonstrate your accomplishments and contributions. And do it very specifically by the numbers. I mean by that you should quantify your results by showing dollars generated, percentage growth, savings, etc.

4. Work out some practical suggestions for improvement or bring to the table some new ideas. Write down your ideas in a presentation that you can leave behind for your boss to review.

5. Look for opportunities to take on responsibilities that go beyond your current job description. Gain more visibility by taking additional training, or signing up for in-house seminars. Make sure your boss knows about these career expanding activities.

6. Most importantly, take the time to generate chemistry and rapport with superiors. This does NOT mean buttering up your boss or paying unwelcome compliments. It does mean asking advice, being available to help out, looking for opportunities to take on an extra assignment or pitch in.

You're in charge of your own future. The good news is there are proven strategies that can significantly help you get ahead. They're all part of the exciting alternative job search and non-traditional career advancement movement. Check it out!