So much truth in this piece, Cathy. My perspective is somewhat limited to my own experiences - however this resonates.

Took a job as a product manager with company A for a low salary. Looked like some cool challenges and my family decided that being able to afford groceries again would also be in the "plus" column. Two (extremely) frustrating months later I was escorted to my car with not even a box in my hands for protection.

Took another PM job later that paid double my previous role and thrived for 3 years until it came time to "compete" for my promotion. Turned out the company didn't think I was "Senior 1" material and strung me along for a bit before I turned in my notice and took another job with a 25% bump in pay.

Suddenly, I'm seen as the expert. People actually listen to strategies and pitch in to help.

In comparison to the first gig where I was seen as a low-third round pick and given zero opportunities to succeed, suddenly I'm the first round pick who is given the tools, responsibility and teams to actually deliver results. Those perceptions that others have of you before you even start are way more important than we are lead to believe..