I was talking to someone the other day who said, “I don’t understand how I only make X per year after being at my job so many years and an incoming employee will make Y. That just doesn’t seem fair.”
Fair or not, there may be a good reason why you don’t make more money. I know this feels harsh, but if we don’t have a real discussion around this issue, you’ll never get to where you want to be.
If you want to ask for a raise, the first thing you need to do is pull out your job description. What are the expectations that have been set for your role? Make a list of what you think are the top 3-5 items. Then make a list of things you’ve done or are doing to meet or exceed those expectations. Don’t make things up, be honest and truthful with yourself. Are you really meeting or exceeding those expectations?
Next, look at the rest of the expectations listed on the job description. Are there are any you are not currently meeting or working on? If so — why or why not? What is keeping you from meeting those expectations? Do you need more time, resources, education, input from someone? Make a list of what it would take to be meeting those you are not.
Once you’e done this introspection regarding your job description and expectations, take some time to really look within as to WHY you haven’t met any of these. Are you bored with them? Do they not apply to your position any longer? (Maybe you’ve delegated them out or things have changed since the pandemic.)
Put together a draft of what you think this job description should be. Not your “dream job” but what the job truly should be to be serve your organization. Then put together a plan with your goals AND a plan for how to reach them. Be sure to include anything you’ll need from yourself not just the organization.
Now, does this still align with what you want to do and who you are? Does it align with your talents, values and things you want to accomplish?
If yes — then start a conversation with your boss about this. Be open, honest and transparent about why you feel the way you do, what your goals and expectations are, and why you are having the conversation. You can then work together to come up with a plan for moving forward. Be sure to present your plan in a calm, professional demeanor, and a manner that is favorable not just for you but also for your organization. Most people approach work with a “what’s in it for me attitude” when in reality, you need to present an attitude of “what can I do to make my organization better which in turn makes me more valuable.”
If you believe you’re a superstar and just aren’t being noticed or rewarded, and this conversation doesn’t change things, you have a decision to make. But NEVER walk away from a good job with a good organization over your salary. Trust me when I tell you, the grass is not always greener because you have the opportunity to make more money elsewhere. If you’re happy with where you work and the mission and vision of that organization, why would you leave without having these conversations first?
One other note, be sure to do your homework to see what the position you have or want is worth in the local market. The reality is, some positions will only earn so much in your local market. This doesn’t mean you aren’t worth more than the average pay for this position, it just means that you’ll need to prove yourself to receive it.
In my 20+ year in the Human Resources field I’ve spoken with many employees who thinks they are “owed” more than they are working for. The reality is, we aren’t entitled to anything in the world of work. We earn what we are worth and the value we bring to an organization.
It’s time to get real with yourself and become that superstar you know you can be.
Want help preparing your plans and ideas? I’m here to help you earn what you deserve and want in your career and life, email me today: [email protected]
Ready to take a leap? Join my friend Lisa Wolfe and I at our upcoming event Women’s Mind and Body Workshop where we’ll help you move forward in a positive way in your personal and professional life! Grab your seat here: https://bit.ly/WomensMindandBody
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