This is NOT about letting bosses off the hook when it comes to the bucks. Raises are great. But if you didn’t get a raise, is there something instead of a raise worth asking for? Well, there just might be. At least for now.

While we’d all like a decent raise as often as possible, sometimes there are real budget constraints. And even the best of bosses are stuck doling out a paltry 3% across the board — or some equally unsatisfying number. Or worse yet, no annual increase at all in tight times.

But that doesn’t mean the boss stops here — although all too often they do. “Sorry. Not my fault.” “Would love to show how much we appreciate you. But my hands are tied.” Really? Completely tied? Probably not if they think creatively. Even if more money is out for now.

Didn’t get a raise? What might help.

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So what does it take to get a boss to give you a raise — even in a tough economy? Basically, you have to ask for it.  Not that you get it every time, but sometimes you do. So it’s at least worth trying. Does that include asking for a raise by email? Well, depends on the situation. I’ll get to that story soon.

Now I do know, no matter how you do it, asking for a raise can be very hard. And scary. But there are ways to help make it just a little more comfortable. And hopefully increase your chances of a “yes — or at least planting a seed for next time.

⇒  Why Are You So Afraid To Ask for a Raise?

“Asking for raise by email” story

Someone I know, Laura,  screwed up her courage and decided to approach her boss about a raise. But for several reasons, she finally decided to send her request in an email. [Read more…]

Well, you asked your boss and the answer was “no.” So you’re not getting a raise after all. And it’s probably not a big secret that many employers would rather not give them at all. Or at least avoid / delay them as much as possible. Even knowing that pay increases are great for morale — and can help motivate people.

Oh, I know there are those special bosses who enjoy seeing your face light up when they tell you you’re getting a raise. But I bet not too many of you have that boss — and if you do, please let me know because I just might want to work there.

But for the rest of you, getting a raise becomes an intricate dance between you and your employer. A dance for which you should begin preparing the moment you start your job. Why start so soon?

What you shouldn’t expect

You can’t expect to just go to your boss and tell them you are worth more money without having a lot to back you up. [Read more…]

A reader, Irene, wrote to say that her husband’s salary offer is less by almost $10,000 than the salary discussed in the interview. Even less than he’s making in his current job. And this got them into a heated discussion — to say the least.

Her husband feels he has no recourse, since he was assured this was all they could pay. And he’s ready to accept the job anyway. While he already has a job, the conditions are awful. And it’s taking a huge toll on his spirits. So he wants out now!

But Irene feels that since he already has a job — as awful as it might be — there’s no reason to accept something that will put them further behind the financial eight ball. She wants him to fight for what “he damn well deserves!”

So who’s right?

If salary offer less what does that say about company?

On one hand, the way the company handled this would make me think twice about working for them at all. This certainly doesn’t show a coordinated effort internally.

And it may be a very good indication of what the company is like. Or at least the particular people he dealt with. So I’d tread carefully with eyes wide open no matter what.

Try to negotiate some more

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Why four day work week?

At this time of year, holidays for some are about religious tradition. For others, it’s a whirlwind of parties, yummy food, and gifts. And for still others, it may be a bit of a tough time – what with all the demands of family and friends and sometimes even the feeling you’re supposed to be having a better time than you are.

But for me, it’s always been about NOT WORKING! Even when I was a kid in school, knowing that a holiday was coming was the greatest feeling in the world. A day off — or more — to do whatever I want? No one expecting me to get up early or do any homework? Time to do things of my own choosing. Wuhoo!

We all need time to recharge

Everyone needs downtime. A chance to rest and a chance for the brain to process problems without our even knowing what’s going on in the background. And for introverts like me, we need it even more than most, since alone time helps us get revitalized and feel our strength return. [Read more…]

If you’re afraid to ask for a raise, you’re in good company. Most people are afraid at least to some extent. What if you screw up your courage just to hear “no!” And the truth is, that’s always possible. But each time we let fear stop us, it takes on more power. Until it runs our lives.

So what can we do to increase our chances of getting that “yes!”? I’m glad you asked. I’ll give you some tips in a little while. But first, it’s worth digging in a bit and understanding more about the fear. It’s not just the “no” but what it really means. And knowing why you react the way you do can go a long way toward breaking out of the fear pattern!

So much of career success is about

getting past our fears!

⇒  EXTRA:  5 Workplace Fears That Limit Success

Why you’re afraid to ask for a raise

[Read more…]