Just got a 10% raise - all I had to do was ask! What about you?

[videoschoolonline]

I'm finishing up a one-year contract working at the University of California. I'm started last December as a 24 year old, fairly new out of college. I did a great job this past year, and I knew they liked me. When it came time for a contract renewal, I was hoping to become a 'career' employee. They offered to extend my contract one year. While happy that I would have a job for the next 12 months, I was bummed by them not offering to give me a raise (although I had already received the annual 3% raise in July). I thought that if they liked me so much, they should either offer me a career position or give me some sort of raise/incentive to stay.

So I brought it up to them. I was hesitant at first - but in the end honest about how I felt.

A few weeks went by as my bosses spoke with people in the accounting dept.

Today, they said they were going to extend my contract with a 10% raise! So I went from earning $51,500 to $56,650! That's an extra $5k towards FI - and all I had to do was ask. I'd heard that you have to stand up for yourself and ask for raises because they don't just come freely. But I never felt courageous enough to do it, until this year.

I'm so glad I asked!

Howabout you? Have you ever asked for a raise and been given one? been denied? didn't end up asking because you are scared?

When do you think is the right time to ask for a raise?

[Frankies Girl]

Good for you! It took me YEARS to realize I could have been doing that all along. :D

I've done so a few times in the recent past. I try to time the request before the annual budget meetings (so as to not mess up the budgeting for my department). I also go in with a small list (verbally - not written down) of my recent accomplishments and then explain that while I am obviously happy to receive any raise, but it would be greatly appreciated if I got a more than standard cost of living raise this year due to x achievements/accomplishments.

[Chranstronaut]

Good for you!  Despite the lame nature of my own experiences, I still believe asking for promotions and raises is an important skill to practice.

I'm also mid-20s and have been at my job just over two years since I graduated.  As a women in STEM, I hear ALL the damn time how I need to push and "lean in" for my career progress.

I asked about a promotion in May to be implemented in Sept, since it generally takes a while to get through the regimented process at my large company.  Promotions are given on a schedule for the most part, and my time was coming up at my two year anniversary.  Manager told me they probably won't accept the application for promotion given the climate of downsizing and the fact that the last promotion window of the year was 1 month before my scheduled time.  "They don't give promotions early."  I pushed my manager and asked him to actually check with the mysterious board of promoters for details.  Comes back with the same news.  I ask specifically to see the paperwork that I will need to turn in so I can be prepared.  In July, I talk to my manager AGAIN and tell him I'm dissatisfied about being stuck without a promotion after getting formal feedback that I am a high achiever-- he holds firm and says we should plan to try again in January.

Talked to my manager during our yearly review this month (Nov) and he says he's not even sure they would accept my application for promotion in January due to the continued layoff climate.  Told him I am planning to leave the company for many reasons, but that this culture contributed to my decision to leave.  He asked if a promotion and raise would help me stay?  Hah.  I said it's too late.

Sharing this with colleagues reveals this is a chronic issue and everyone I spoke with has dealt with it.  An attempt to comfort me was made by saying, this is just how it is for everyone.  This is worse, in my opinion, since everyone is walking around feeling undervalued.  I suppose my proactive stance would have worked better at a company with different policies, but I am pretty disappointed at how my concerns were treated.

[2Birds1Stone]

I gave myself a 78% raise by switching careers. I realized I was complacent with where I was at and my time was worth more than I am currently making. Put in my two weeks this past Saturday. 

[Elderwood17]

I gave myself a 78% raise by switching careers. I realized I was complacent with where I was at and my time was worth more than I am currently making. Put in my two weeks this past Saturday.

Wow - that is very significant!  Congrats.

[Gone Fishing]

I asked twice last year, they agreed then did nothing, so this spring I told them, "I would have to explore other options" unless they put something together. Got 15%, sure is nice being FI. 

[2Birds1Stone]

I gave myself a 78% raise by switching careers. I realized I was complacent with where I was at and my time was worth more than I am currently making. Put in my two weeks this past Saturday.

Wow - that is very significant!  Congrats.

Thanks, it took 6 interviews and a lot of studying the new industry. Paid off though.

[TheThirstyStag]

Congrats.  I'm surprised more people don't inquire about this.  It's like negotiating on craigslist - most people feel awkward or that it insults people.  It can never hurt to ask nicely!

[Hummer]

I gave myself a $22k raise (32%) from $68k to $90k by finding a new position in the same field. And I'm being started at only 90% of the position's official wage because I'm new. I expect another $10k in raises in the next 2 years to bring me up to $100k.

:)

[P1]

I gave myself a 78% raise by switching careers. I realized I was complacent with where I was at and my time was worth more than I am currently making. Put in my two weeks this past Saturday.

Wow - that is very significant!  Congrats.

Thanks, it took 6 interviews and a lot of studying the new industry. Paid off though.

Besides the studying how did you pull it off? What industry did you come from, and then go to? I need to make a jump myself to jump start my income.

[2Birds1Stone]

Besides the studying how did you pull it off? What industry did you come from, and then go to? I need to make a jump myself to jump start my income.

I came from retail sales/management and the new industry is inside IT sales. I have 6 years of sales experience and 4 years of management experience. Sales is a lot of soft skills, so despite my lack of an IT background I was able to make it through the interview process on the premise that I am a very self motivated learner and can catch on quickly with the technical side of the job. Going from dealing with customers face to face in a 5-20 minute sales cycle to a week or month long sales cycle over the phone is going to be a pretty big change but I think I can handle it and will enjoy it.

Best of Luck!

PS - A really convincing cover letter and a bulletproof resume didn't hurt.