By Muareen Nakatudde

JOHN Bamukyaye, a worker in one of the firms in town, earns sh300,000 a month. When he had just left university this was enough for him. However, as time went on, his demands increased. He has to cater for rent, a wife and a child. “I need to get another job,” he says to no one in particular.

How can Bamukyaye make more money to meet all his needs and also keep his job?

Save and invest
Hanington Kassaga, the Smart Systems chief executive officer, says for a person to earn some extra money, he or she should never forget to save his money and invest it.
Despite the fact that the bank is very safe, Kassaga advises against leaving your money idle in the bank.

Spend your salary sparingly
Spending less than you earn is the only way to get that extra coin. You might have got that extra money, but when you get it, don’t use it all at once.
“Buy assets (things that can put money in your pocket, for instance shares and bonds, or land), other than spending on liabilities. Avoid things like buying a car,” Kassaga advises.

Be smart
Sometimes, all it needs to make more money as a salaried employee, is being smarter than the rest.
Although this at times depends on a person’s innate intelligence. find out as much as you can about your job and do your best to excel.

A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology recently indicated that bright people earn more money by middle age than those that are less intellegent.

Be hard working
Jolly Kawooya, a businessman and educationist, advises workers to be harding working if they want to earn big bucks.
“Hard work can be ground for your promotion. This will definitely earn you an extra shilling. Look for areas where you can get bonuses and concentrate your efforts there,” Kawooya says.

Ask for increment
If you are not satisfied with your salary, talk to your human resource manager about it, showing cause why you need a salary increment.

You have to present, for instance, the qualification you acquired since you joined the firm and also the amount of work you have been doing. If you have also worked long in the company, this can be ground for salary increment.

Target the situation
Never ask for a salary increment when the company is going through a financial crisis. Target the moment when it is blossoming and has the means to meet your request.
If you time badly, you will not get the increment that you badly need.

Have a good attitude
Avoid going to ask for a pay rise with an attitude of “I deserve it”, or “If you don’t do it to me, I will leave.”
“You will lose all your chances of getting a salary increment, yet you will stay on the same job,” Kassaga explains.

Be discreet
If you are looking for extra money, don’t throw it in all your employees’ faces. Be discreet and talk to the human resource manager personally. Otherwise, a lot more workers can follow your cue and this will kill your chances and create enmity with managers.

Upgrade your skills
Do not hesitate to improve your skills if you see the potential of earning in another field. If you have the means, you can go for training and improve your income.

Be flexible
Don’t chant the same song “forever and ever amen.” Things do change, so you have to change. “If you have tried something extra and it hasn’t worked, try another one until you find grounds that will be comfortable and at same time rewarding,” Kawooya advises.