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Go Ahead: Ask For A Raise

For some reason, many folks have a hard time asking for a raise.

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woman counting bonus money

It’s the end of the year, which means two things: bonus season and potential salary increases.

For some reason, many folks have a hard time asking for a raise. Maybe it’s because you grew up as a lawyer in the confines of a lockstep firm, with absolutely no control over the size of your bonus or your salary increase. Maybe you don’t think it’s fair that you get a raise while your friends and colleagues don’t. Maybe you’re afraid you’re going to be rejected. Or maybe, deep down, you believe that you’re not worthy of a raise.

Whatever your excuse or deep-seeded fear, here’s the thing: it is very, very unlikely that you will get fired simply for asking (in a respectful and professional manner) for a higher level of compensation. Putting aside the very unlikely scenario of losing your job, what is the worst that could happen when you ask for a raise? Your boss says “no,” your ego takes a hit, and you experience some awkwardness the next few times you interact with your boss.

Take a moment and explore that rejection scenario in your mind. Feel the rejection in your body. Play out the awkwardness that might ensue. Is all of that really so unbearable?

The exchange of money, at its most basic, is an exchange of energy (i.e., I use my physical, mental, and emotional energy to perform work, and in exchange, you give me money that you have earned through the use of your own energy). When you ask for more money (whether in the form of a bonus, a raise, an increase in client rates, etc.), you’re saying to the person on the other side of the equation: the energy that I expend here is worth more—more energy, more money, more attention, more recognition, etc. That other person may or may not agree with you, and you may or may not receive more money, but you’ll never know unless you ask.

Before you step into your boss’s office to ask for a raise:

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  1. Make a list of reasons why you should be given more money. Some ideas to get the ball rolling:
    • How many significant projects have you worked on this year? Highlight any projects where your work was integral to the project.
    • How well do you interact with clients? Create a list of positive client feedback you received this year.
    • Are you a good colleague, subordinate, and teammate? Create a list of positive feedback and interactions you’ve had at the workplace.
    • What makes you stand apart from your peers? Is it your loyalty? Your cheerful demeanor? Your ability to handle a lot of responsibility? Your ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, clients, etc.?
    • Why are you utterly indispensable as an employee?
  2. Research comparable positions. What would you be paid if you were offered a similar job elsewhere?  It’s helpful to have solid research to back your request.
  3. Make a list of reasons why you enjoy your job. Don’t just ask for more money. Make it clear to your boss that you actually enjoy your job, and that you’re grateful for the work you perform.
  4. Figure out your bottom line. What’s your ideal salary? What’s the lowest raise you could possibly accept? Will you stay in your current role if they cannot pay you more money? Will you stay if they can give you a promotion (more recognition) but no pay increase?
  5. Practice the conversation with your fake boss & your reflection. Practice having a conversation with someone (standing in for your boss), explaining to the fake boss as to why you deserve a raise. And then practice having that conversation in front of a mirror—if you can’t convince yourself, you’re never going to convince someone else.

The more you practice, and the more you believe the reasons you give when you ask for a raise, the easier it will be to sell yourself as marketable, successful, and deserving of the extra money that you in fact have earned.

Office awkwardness, be damned. Go ahead, ask for more money.

Megan Grandinetti is a wellness & life coach, yoga teacher, and recovering attorney. Learn more about Megan, and receive a free 10-minute guided meditation, by visiting www.megangrandinettiyoga.com and signing up for her email list.

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