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Monday, July 1, 2013

How to Ask for a Raise

So, as I have explained before, I’m relatively poor.  I work at a nonprofit in a sketchyish area. Money is tight there, but there’s been rumors of some possibly chance of some raises this year maybe possibly.  And I want one, you guys. I played a part in a project that recently had a good outcome, so now is the time to strike.



But I’m awkward, so this whole asking for a raise thing will surely be awkward as well. I figure I could go about it some different ways:

  
Beg. Puppy dog eyes. More begging.


This vomit-inducing episode, remember? Ick. Anyhoo, gray-mailing (it’s not quite blackmail). Probably not the best idea.


Good strategy, bad execution. May have just convinced bosses that I mess around on facebook all day. Also hysterical screaming = not good.


Will only work if bosses appreciate 90s movie references. They do not .





Risky strategy. But if it fails, consolation prize: lots of cats.

Have you guys ever asked for a raise? Did it go terribly? Share your stories!


13 comments:

  1. I think the "gray-mailing" might be your best option. I'm way too cowardly to ever ask for a raise, so unfortunately, I'm not able to give you any tips.

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  2. As a culture, we Brits don't tend to ask for a raise. We just quietly grumble about the money we get, then look for alternative employment.

    So no, I haven't asked for a raise. Let me know how it goes. If it goes well, I might become the first person in my country to ever ask for one.

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  3. I asked for a raise once, and I nailed it. Told my boss I wanted to hold a quick meeting with her. From there, you just have to show them what you've done for the company. Never come across as "I need more money, so, like, give me a raise." Instead, it needs to be like, "I did this, this, and this for the company. I'm continuing to grow, and I'm looking forward to taking on more projects in the future. I think my compensation should be reflected as such." The number one rule: prove that you've ALREADY earned that money. Never go in there saying you're GOING to earn it.

    Look at me, leaving a helpful comment like an adult. I assure you it probably won't happen again.

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  4. Go back and read A beer for the shower's comment again. Nailed it. Ah, you HAVE documented everything you've done, right? All the places you've met or exceeded your goals?

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  5. Good luck with asking, I'm very awkward too so I'd completely suck at in and have to have a little cry behind a bin afterwards - but you'll be fine! I'd definitely go for Bryan and Brandon's approach, if you prove your worth they can't really argue and you'll be good to go x

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  6. I've never asked for a raise. I've always worked at places where they did employee reviews once or twice a year and raises were handed out during the review.

    Love,
    Janie

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  7. I've asked for a raise twice now. With varying levels of difficulty and success.

    First time I told my boss I'd been applying for other jobs and had gotten an offer (just to be clear, I had been offered another job). I told her I really didn't want to go but that I really needed to make more money. She said it wasn't in the budget and couldn't give it to me. I quit. A month later she called me and asked me to come back. A month after that, I went back and have been here ever since. Sometimes fate steps in, I guess.

    The second time was just a couple of weeks ago. I'd gotten a promotion and was being offered less of a raise than I'd anticipated. I laid out allll the ways that I've actually helped the company and why I thought I deserved a bigger raise as I moved into my new role.

    I got nothing.

    So.... there's that.

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  8. Ugh. Non profit. I've worked in non profit for years. The pay sucks. But everyone's all, "Oh wow that must be so rewarding?" and I'm all, "allow me to introduce you to my bank account." I think you should bring the kittens into work. One for every day that passes that you don't get a raise. Although, that has the potential to backfire, cuz who doesn't love kittens? Lots of them? At work?

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  9. Now is the time to strike indeed. A few years ago I completed a major project that had ridiculous deadlines and required a lot of unpaid overtime. Just before my review that year and I sent an e-mail explaining how hard I had worked to make the project a success, how dedicated I was to the company, and thus, severely deserved a good raise. I think I even specified how much of a raise I wanted. I didn't get all of what I asked for (didn't expect to) but I got almost all of it.

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  10. Maybe try threatening to release feral cats into the office should they not give you a raise. Also, throw tuna bits at everyone so that they know you mean business.

    Hugs!

    Valerie

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  11. I've never actively asked for a raise. When changing jobs, sure, but otherwise, no. Good luck!

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  12. I'm always certain I'm on the verge of being terminated so I never ask for a raise. I get one every year, but I'm too cowardly to ask for one. :( No help at all. But I love the gray-mailing idea. Don't do it! But I love it nonetheless.

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  13. I think threatening to lock all of the stray cats in the office might be a bit more effective...
    Mei @ Diary of a Fair Weather Diver

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