Should I ask for a raise?

Question

I have been at my current job for a year and a half. I was transferred 6 months ago to another department and I believe I now have more responsibilities and duties, but I was not offered a raise at the time. I believe I deserve a raise now, but I heard from someone who worked here for five years that he never received a raise, but an increased Christmas bonus each year. Another employee is getting divorced and requested a raise to help support herself and she was told to get a second job - she is a loyal employee of four years. Should I ask for a raise?

Answer 1

Always ask for a raise. If you don't receive at least some kind of small raise you are really earning less and less each year. Tell your boss with the rising cost of inflation and home prices it is very difficult. If they don't treat you right go to a company that will. Sounds like a lousy company the way you describe it. Cheap companies don't retain talent and companies without talent falter.

Answer 2

Some companies prefer to give bonuses at year end in lieu of raises as it does not impact their fixed costs like increases do. In other words, there is no liability on the books to pay higher salaries, and the bonus becomes discretionary depending on how the profit picture is for the firm.

THat said, if you have progressed and are taking on more responsibility, you should be prepared to define this and put it to your boss when you ask for the raise. Be specific on what you have learned and accomplished and even more so - let the boss know you want to continue to progress and would welcome more responsibility. Be ready, though, and decide if you want to stay or not if you are turned down. The boss will likely see your request as dissatisfaction with your position and remuneration, and guess that you may leave. So be prepared to do just that.

Yes, you sure should ask for the raise.\

One last note, be ready for the boss to ask, just what you feel a fair raise would be....be ready for an answer to that.....

Good luck.

Answer 3

Yes, each case is different, you should ask even if you don't feel like you'll get it. As long as you feel you deserve it, you can't go wrong. If they deny you the raise, and you feel like you really deserved it, then you now know where you stand with this company. Maybe you'd be valued somewhere else.

Answer 4

No, instead ask you boss for non cash incentives when you get something major (like a new client or deal). He will surely feel you eserve the reward