How To Ask For A Raise
Being an employee may not feel particularly extraordinary. If you think about it, you're only responsible enough to hold a job and receive a steady pay check, but you probably lack the resources or confidence to start your own business and become the boss. As an employee, you lack control, or you’re restricted by your work hours, and your progression in the company is usually determined by others. You rarely discuss being an employee in conversations with people, and “salaried laborer” isn’t the best introduction for many attractive people sitting alone at the end of the bar.
But in all this, it’s your salary is what distinguishes your value and how much crap you’re willing to put up with. While your employer might occasionally show bits of appreciation to you, the true sense of significance often lies in the monetary value they assign to your work. Typically, these moments of remuneration occur annually, accompanied by a performance review that quantifies how much or how little your employer values you. If you're fortunate, you might even receive a bonus, acknowledging and highlighting your exceptional performance for the year. Although it can be satisfying to gain insight into how your superiors perceive you, an increase in salary is an even more welcome outcome. Regardless of whether you work tirelessly for the corporate cause or take advantage of a team environment while others do the heavy lifting, there may come a time when you grow weary of being a wage slave in your job. You might reach a point where you've simply had enough of being taken for granted. Instead of merely complaining, it's time to seize control and assertively request a raise. Here's a guide on how to go about it:
Step 1: Know your worth.
Before you even think about approaching your boss, take some time to evaluate your value to the company. Have you been a reliable and hard-working employee? Have you contributed to the company's success in any significant way? If so, then you have a solid case for a raise. If you’ve spent the last year studying the phenomenon of quiet quitting in your cubicle, maybe your value will be higher elsewhere.
Step 2: Do your research.
Before you go in for the big ask, it's a good idea to have a sense of what the going rate is for your position in the market. Check out salary websites or talk to colleagues in similar roles to get a sense of what you should be making. Cold call your competitors anonymously and extract information by making up some ridiculous compensation figures like:
“Our sales people are making $175 000 a year and get a corporate Rolls Royce to drive. How much do you get there?”
Step 3: Practice your pitch.
Once you know your worth and have a sense of what you should be making, it's time to craft your argument. Practice your delivery in front of a mirror or with a friend, and be sure to focus on your achievements and value to the company. Remember, you're not just asking for more money for the hell of it - you're making a case for why you deserve it. Remember, if your employer doesn’t really know how very little you actually do for the company, you can always sell them on something they don’t know. That’s why it’s important to always look like you are working hard, and seem like you’re getting stuff done!
Step 4: Be prepared for rejection.
Unfortunately, not all bosses are going to be as understanding as you'd like. If your request is denied, don't get angry or upset. Simply thank your boss for their time, and ask if there is anything specific you can do to improve your chances of getting a raise in the future. Take the steps needed to improve, keep record of all your progress, accomplishments, and value adding successes. Then circle another asking day on the calendar in a few months.
Step 5: Don't take NO for an answer.
If your boss still says no, don't give up. Keep plugging away and continue to demonstrate your value to the company. Eventually, your hard work and dedication will be recognized (and rewarded). You can also assess the level of attrition in your company, because some day, even your boss will have to move, quit or get fired, bringing you new opportunities.
So there you have it, folks. Asking for a raise isn't easy, but it's worth it in the long run. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself and demand what you deserve. Remember, you're not just a wage slave - you're a valuable member of the team. Now go get that raise!
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***The contents of this website is satirical, meant to be entertainment. Contact a professional for any advise.***
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