[Emily]

I’m gearing up to ask for a pay raise and new title (tomorrow). I’ve been an analyst for 3.5 years and my job responsibilities have increased hugely without a real raise, just cost of living increases.

What’s a nice way to say “I am working at least one a half jobs” or “this pace is so unsustainable that it’s causing me health issues”?

I feel like my reward for doing good work is only more work (aka: the curse of competence)

In my back pocket I have the confidence of a very healthy “fu” fund and the knowledge that there’s no way they could hire someone with my skills at my current salary.

In other words, they need me way more than I need them.

They are a huge financial company who have the budget so it feels a bit insulting at this point to be paid such a low base rate.

I’m trying to take coach myself to state the facts as I see them, ask for what I deserve and then wait.

[Rich]

Good luck! Have you applied elsewhere yet? Have a current resume? Having an offer letter to show to HR and your manager often works and they would more than likely match to keep you.

As it was with me, I went from 90K to a high of 115K.

Moved on to a better role and company that pays 50% more. Far better benefits. It’s been good!

[Kim]

Pull up your original job description, then list out the responsibilities that go beyond those listed on the JD.

If you are doing 20% more then a raise is warranted. Show them the data.

[Diana]

I think the comment of “the pace is unsustainable and causing me health issues” is at odds with asking for a raise for taking on more responsibility.

Do you want more money for your increase in responsibility or do you want less responsibility but the same pay so you can get your health

issues under control? Those are two different conversations in my mind.
Just wanted to throw that out there.

Good luck and as long as you have the facts and data and are willing to walk away if they don’t agree to what you ask, you should be good.

[Amalia]

Do you want a pay raise or do you want to decrease your workload ? If the former: present your strengths and achievements in a factual manner (as an analyst, you should be able to paint the picture with data).

But don’t mix the two because it will confuse your manager.

The work environment may be unavoidably volatile (depending on the industry) and people who can adapt are highly valuable; you can make proposals to improve the working situation (e.g. do you see something that can be changed to improve your performance / reduce waste and allow you to focus on more important topics?)

[Cynthia]

I’d put it in writing make a list of everything you do and I’d have two columns -one your original duties and two all the additional duties that you’ve added.

That’s all I would put on the piece of paper and I would ask your boss for a sit down meeting to talk about your career progression and your future with the company.

Keep it positive. Tell him you’re excited about your future with the company and you wanted to show your boss all the additional opportunities for growth you’ve had adding additional duties and how you’d like to go even further with the company.

Bosses get busy and probably don’t even realize everything you’re doing.

My husband did exactly this a couple years ago at work. And it took a couple months, maybe two or three, but he got a new title of chief and a raise.

His company had a caveat that he couldn’t get a promotion or raise unless he’s supervising someone. So, in his strategy he had hiring an additional person that he would supervise.

It all worked out. This exact situation may not apply to you, but if there’s any stipulations in your company for getting a raise, make sure you address them.

I think after the meeting my husband‘s boss asked him to write a white paper on this for him to present to senior management.

[Louise]

Decades ago, I was able to find out an income range from folks doing similar work for similar companies.

I presented my case for a raise using competitive market data.

My boss was not happy but I did get a significant raise.

[Anna]

Check out the episode with Tori Dunlap — she has some good phrases. And I hear you! I asked for a raise this year and was met with “yeah no.” Lol. Time to build my fund.

It’s so frustrating to be given more responsibilities because I’m competent and do my job exceptionally well.

[Scott]

Don’t bring up emotional pieces, it hurts your argument.
Have a list of job responsibilities when you started vs now.

Have knowledge of what the job would pay if they had to hire someone new or that job title in your market.

Just stick to your increased worth to the company – nothing about unhappiness, mental fatigue, gas prices, monthly bills.

Good luck

[Ryan]

If you come on as threatening they won’t respond well. Present the value you bring to the team/company and advocate for wanting what you deserve and not top dollar.

[Brian]

Bringing up “health issues” is a one-way ticket to an HR meeting, FMLA discussions, request for medical evaluation, etc.

A good tool to have if you truly have health issues caused by the job that need to be addressed, but you will handcuff your manager and it will all be in HR’s hands at that point.

The raise discussion will be lost.

Instead, focus on your contributions and what those skills are worth in your local job market.

[Sang]

One thing you can do is to get a “Job Offer” with another company first, and then use it to bargaining chip for a raise.

[Hannah]

If they haven’t given you one yet they probably won’t (unless you just have never asked for a raise before). If it is a concern, find another company willing to pay you more.

[Author]

Posts