Asking for a pay raise?

Question

I work for a great company, with a great boss.

Two years ago one of my co-workers (and friend) died in an accident, and my boss asked me to take his place. I was given a considerable pay raise at the time. About a year later I got pregnant, and when I had the baby my boss gave me a full three-month paid maternity leave (not common and very generous). I came back from my leave about three months ago.

I am thinking about asking for a raise. I have been at the same rate for over two years now, not to mention I need the money. My question is about the timing, and also how to approach this. I do a good job and the company is doing well; however he has been pretty generous and very fair/understanding. He's tough but awesome to work for. Also I feel I'm still a bit fresh off of maternity leave. Do you think I should wait a little longer? Would I be pushing it if I asked now?

I appreciate your thoughts/feedback. Thanks!

Just to reiterate I've been back from maternity leave for three months now.
Also, my company is very non-traditional...no set performance evaluations, no HR dept. or that sort of thing. Everything is sort of off the cuff.

Answer 1

Considering you got a substantial pay raise 2 years ago and received a 3-month paid maternity leave, which is not a usual thing for your company, I would definitely wait on asking for a raise. I think your boss would be pretty put out at someone who was out 3 months on maternity leave, then only back for 3 months before asking for higher pay.

I would wait either 1 year or until your next performance appraisal, if you have annual appraisals. Usually pay increases happen coincidental with appraisals; if that's not the case with your company, I would wait the 1-year mark.

The reason I recommend that timeframe is because the paid maternity leave was a big benefit that resulted in extra pay for the time you'd planned to take, or a longer maternity leave than you were going to take. It was already a type of "increase" in your pay, so in a way, it took the place of a pay increase for this year.

Answer 2

I would like to approach tis problem rather psychologically.Not a good timing now.Wait for 3 more months and you will become re-permanent in your boss's eyes.Till then make a good mark in whatever u do.Al the best

Answer 3

Ask at your next evaluation and take in supporting examples of why you deserve a raise. List contributions you have made, extra work you have taken on, etc.

Answer 4

You just got back to work and I think u should wailt a little, like 3 months or so.. I hope all goes well.