Pro tip: My old boss told me to ALWAYS ask for a raise every 12 months even if I didn't think I deserved it

I worked at a small marketing firm in Cleveland for about 3 years. My boss Jim pulled me aside on my one year anniversary and told me to ask for a raise every year on the dot, no matter what. I felt awkward doing it year two because I was still learning a lot, but I asked for 5% and got it. Year three I asked for 8% and they gave me 10% plus a bonus. I honestly would have just waited for them to offer something, but that ONE piece of advice probably made me an extra $4,000 total over those years. Has anyone else had a manager who gave you a specific money-making tip like that?

2 comments

2 Comments

mila_reed4d ago

Wait, did you also have a boss who basically forced you to make more money by being awkward about asking for it?

william8163d ago

Did you see that article on Bloomberg about how most people leave money on the table because they're too scared to negotiate? It said something like 60% of workers never even try to ask for a raise. That boss situation you describe, @mila_reed, is exactly what they mean. It's almost like they know you'll fold if they make it uncomfortable. I've heard the same story from friends who worked at big corporations too.