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Last week I asked for a raise to match inflation, I was told no.

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Anonymous

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Last week I asked for a raise to match inflation, I was told no.

after making the request I immediately beat myself up because even that extra 5% wouldn’t put me at my worth… but that’s what came out of my mouth and I stood behind it. Leadership gathered to discuss my request and decided they would not accommodate.

Why?! Because that wasn’t enough and they wanted to express their gratitude and ensure my happiness (and sticking around). Instead they gave me more than 3x what I asked for,

what worked out to a $10/hr increase.

I thanked profusely, hung up and cried. Because my current income is literally DOUBLE what I asked my last employer for just over 2 years ago, after being promoted (double the work no raise kind of promotion). Their response was also no, followed by “who do you think you are?” I also cried after that conversation, then I quit them shortly after. That story is why when I opened my mouth to ask for a raise I shorted myself.

why am I sharing? Because I want you all to know that there are great bosses, great companies, healthy cultures and real growth opportunities if you work hard, hold onto your integrity and recognize when it’s them, not you & move on to where your talents are actually appreciated.

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  1. Sue T

    Congratulations!

  2. Jocelyn Lyons

    Good for you for asking! Many of us are not brave enough to take that shot. In your case, it definitely paid off. Thanks for sharing!

  3. Anonymous

    Thank you!

  4. Anonymous

    Biggest congratulations!!

    You took a chance with that request and you found great reward. I made this request once.... I was told to quit smoking in lieu of a raise. It's so wonderful to be reading this story first thing on a Friday, thank you for sharing. This is empowering.

  5. Leslie Mills

    When I began my career in Direct Mail and Direct Marketing, I realized that I found my nitch. My creativity blossomed; I developed several product innovations that were adopted globally. My teams consistently exceeded production goals. Our company CEO publicly acknowledged my contributions and especially my excellent handling of clients. High praise from my clients as well. I was happy.

    My reviews were excellent, all was well until I found out during my 4-year review that I had never received the salary increases to which I was entitled. I was naive and so busy excelling that I did not even realize I should have been receiving more money. I TRUSTED THAT THE ORGANIZATION WOULD BE FAIR.

    Yes, I guess some of the fault was mine, but it was quite an experience listening to my supervisor try to put a positive spin on this oversight. I remained at the company, but never felt as idealistic.

    Always remember that your worth is not only measured in terms of output, and praise is always welcome. Your compensation, however, is as important a benchmark. Never undervalue your worth.

    Ask for what you know you are worth.

    Sadder and wiser,

    Leslie

  6. Jodi Ireland

    Well done!

    I've been writing for a PR company for just over a year. Prior to that, I freelanced (content & copywriter/editor/content strategist/SEO specialist/resume writer) for eight years and I always struggled with asking for more money. When this opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance.

    I have thrived in my role and made many positive contributions to the company. My team and my clients love what I offer. And leadership — whether my direct manager or the exec team — is not stinting in their praise.

    I had my annual review last week. I was told about the salary bump I'd be getting to bring my salary more in line with the industry. But I did a little comparison using the Robert Half report & found they were still underpaying based on the market, my experience, and my performance. So I counter-offered.

    Next week, I'm meeting with leadership to discuss my new role — a promotion into a management role — and my proposed counteroffer. Was I nervous as anything when I spoke up (after I was invited to comment at the end of my review)? Absolutely. But we had spent an hour talking about what an asset I am to the company, so between that and the research into the numbers I did (and presented to them on a spreadsheet because if I'm anything, I'm thorough & organized, lol), I felt pretty damn good.

    And I felt pretty damn empowered to be advocating for myself and a salary I know I deserve and have most definitely earned.

    So good for you — and anyone else wondering if they could/should request a raise when the know damn well they deserve it.

    And if you get pushback, maybe it's time to start looking for a new company that will value you and what you bring.

  7. Anonymous

    Congratulations! Thank you for sharing.

  8. Beatriz Albini-Ruiz

    Thank you for sharing this is a great success story and congratulations on having the courage to ask for more. That by itself is a great reminder that the worst thing that could happen is to receive a no which can lead to a better yes down the road.

  9. Echo Schneider

    Well done!

  10. Timothy Willis

    Wow! That is amazing. You know.. just yesterday I was working on a grant and I proposed 5k of the 25k to do mental health research to compare mental health systems in Botswana, Africa with United States.... I was told by a mentor that I should have asked for at least 10K.... My thought was that by asking for less would create opportunity for other grant participants.... God Bless your spirit.. Thank you for sharing!

  11. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!

  12. Samantha

    Congrats! I was about to be so mad for you after that first paragraph. But I'm so glad to hear that there are employers out there that value you and gave you what you deserved!

  13. Audra Henderson

    Congratulations and it’s great news that you were successful in getting a raise and their are still great bosses and companies!

  14. Elizabeth Blatchford

    Congratulations! Way to take control of your destiny!

  15. Sophie Joern

    That is amazing! I am so glad you have an awesome employer, they really do exist! Thank you for sharing

  16. Anonymous

    This is defiantly the highlight story of this week !

    I can only support you:
    Yes - there are bosses, great companies, healthy cultures and real growth opportunities outthere. But one still needs to bring competences to the comppany, work hard and have the right attitude.
    Which you most certainly do ! You are amazing; my friend !!!

  17. Anonymous

    This is amazing!!

  18. Anonymous

    Good for you! Congratulations!

  19. Diane J Huff

    This is one of those posts that starts out in the most common way, and you think it will be a cry for help…and then BAM! Some good news! Way to stand up for yourself and at least ASK! And kudos to your management for actually SEEING your value. Applause for all.

  20. Sarah Cleveland, SPHR, ACC

    Great job doing your research and having the confidence to have the conversation!

    It can feel daunting to ask for a raise. You moved forward in a professional way and advocated for yourself and your career! Hats off to you.

  21. Ramona d'Viola

    I needed to hear that today. Thanks.

  22. Anonymous

    Great way to start my day today! Congratulations to you and thanks for posting happy news

  23. Alicia Bjornson

    Thanks for sharing your good news. I’m really happy for you.

  24. Janel Field

    wonderful and inspiring story- thank you for sharing and good on you for using your last experience to cultivate strength and confidence!

  25. Melissa Monson

    Thank you for sharing such a positive story! Congrats on your raise!

  26. SANDRA KOPECKY

    Great to see good news posted/shared!

  27. Lizzie

    Yes, you are worth that huge raise!! We have all been through so much these last few years, and with the increase of duties there should be an increase in pay, which is often not the case. Your current employer definitely knows what a gem they have in you!! Congratulations!!

  28. Tom Reuland

    I couldn't stated it better. The message they sent you was we like you but we do not think you are worth the money you are asking for. Bush up your resume. plenty of jobs out there.

  29. Anonymous

    Did you read her entire post?

  30. Deborah Frincke

    What a wonderful story - and how well you handled that first situation! I'm so glad your current employees value you!

  31. Shaman

    Congratulations on recognizing your value and not settling for a company that could not. Sounds like a win for you and for your employer.

  32. Harmony Brenner

    That's lovely -- thanks for sharing your story! I'm curious as to what line of work do you do? I'm in IT.

  33. Changes

    I left a job almost two years ago because of the very toxic environment, which started with the owner. I have been with a Company since then that I absolutely love and I am making more money!

    Thank you for your post! It made me happy to see someone else acknowledge it can happen! Things can be better!

  34. Anonymous

    I love this for you! So glad they realized you are worth more and You should be so proud of yourself for stepping outside your comfort zone and asking! Thank you for the confirmation good companies, employers and leaders are out here. We hear so much of the negative - and full disclosure - I was prepared to hear about another sh*tty place that under values their employees. To hear them realize your are worth more and to realize you could probably go someplace and earn what you were asking for easily, is a feel good moment. I'm so glad for you!

  35. Bryant Goodwin

    I've asked my job for a raise 3 times in the past year and the manager has never got back to me with a yes or no what can I do?

  36. BTess

    Find a new employer. Your current one clearly does not respect you enough to give you a clear answer-positive or negative. Although, no answer is an answer in itself. Find an employer that values you enough to be honest and to communicate effectively.

  37. Zofia Janeczek

    Find other work! There are plenty of jobs out there. It is pretty bleak because many are simply bad employers, however, a gem can sometimes be found. Her example is exactly that. 3 times, it's pretty apparent that they just don't care and don't value you enough to give you an actual answer. Management like this infuriates me because they just show so much indifrence. Why will employers in the USA not realize that it's expensive to live here. Too many work, work hard but can't afford to live! Paycheck-to-paycheck IS NOT LIVING. I wish you the best of luck in finding better!

  38. tiffany birch

    Take your value into an organization that respects you.

  39. Tom Reuland

    Start looking brush up your resume. Plenty of jobs out there. Good luck.

  40. Patricia

    I agree with the others - look for a better role. Also consider Shelby C's response above - make a list of every success that you had, every project led, every project successfully completed.... highlight these achievements in your resume to show what you are capable of and what you have accomplished. Especially if you have metrics on hand, for example:

    • Vetted and reached out to 30 prospects per day, resulting in 20 closed deals in Q1 and $120,000 in revenue (+22% to quota)
    • Identified three major bottlenecks in the hiring process and spearheaded taskforce to implement new technologies and strategies to overcome them, resulting in 31% faster time-to-hire
    • Conceptualized and executed a multi-touch blog, social and email marketing campaign that reached 200,000 unique impressions
    • Analyzed performance metrics, reviewed creative and brainstormed with internal stakeholders to develop and present 4 strategic social media plans per year

    If you can quantify what you did in any way, you should. Here's a website that can help you with this activity: https://www.livecareer.com/resources/resumes/how-to/write/metrics

  41. Anonymous

    Congratulations on stepping out to ask and receiving more than you asked for! I have to say that as a manger, most often I’m not able to say yes to requests like that due to tight cost constraints. I feel awful because it is never because someone is not worth it. It saddens me to hear stories of people being treated so dismissively when asking for a raise. If I do have to say no, I respect that someone asked and am not surprised and will still be supportive if they feel it’s best to begin looking elsewhere. Also, if I can’t do it now, I’ll look for a way to make it work later.

  42. Erica Mitchell

    Congrats!! That's an awesome feeling to know how much you're valued and appreciated. I think that most times it's the other way around and people feel undervalued at work. Thank you for sharing and letting everyone know there's hope of finding the right employer who will see your worth!

  43. Shelby C

    I was told early in my career by an HR Director (my boss) that people that ask for raises because they "need" them, because of inflation or simply "deserve" them, rarely get them.
    It was excellent advice.

    He told me when I asked for a raise to tell them why my compensation was not commiserate with my experience, others in my industry where valued at far more despite having less expertise, and WHY I deserved it. It is not about feelings. This is business.

    I tell people early in their career who tell me, "I am only taking a job for $1 less an hour" that is $2,000 annually. Once you compound your aggregate income on top of that starting salary when you are about to retire forty years later, how much have you lost? Are you ever going to make it up? Will you always be behind your peers? What is it going to do to your retirement income? If you do not make as much, you cannot save as much.

    This is the big one. He taught me to make a list of every success that I had, every project led, every project successfully completed.... He told me to print every email full of praise and keep it in a folder for justification. I made him regret his own advice several times since all raises above 5% have to be justified in writing (which I had already done =) for him), explained in detail to the President/CEO, and he and the SVP over the department have to approve them as well as the manager. My manager just happened to be over HR. I made him regret it five times in two years. ;) Know your worth.

    Don't allow yourself to be low balled in the door either.

  44. Anonymous

    I learned that lesson the hard way. When my former employer gave me the promotion without increase, I asked the head of HR. I said with the new duties, plus I’ve enrolled in an MBA program that will benefit the company even more, I’d love x increase to ensure I can complete the program without any loans.

    all she heard was I wanted money to pay for school, ignored the part about new role & double the duties…

    she then proceeded to tell me how this was just like when another woman who worked there asked for a raise to cover the cost of her IVF. I was so offended that she put my advanced business education and increased workload on par with a request to enable pregnancy… arguably not a benefit to the organization…

    never again.

  45. Shelby C

    Wow! I am so sorry that happened to you.

  46. Jessica Hill-Knudson

    So wonderful! That must feel amazing to have your employer acknowledge your worth. Congrats!

  47. Sabine Kamisli

    Exayctly!! Appreciation and a healthy working environment! So happy for you!

  48. Anonymous

    Thank you for sharing and giving me hope!!

    I have been with great bosses over the years, and recently had to file a Harassment complaint with HR regarding a verbally abusive and unprofessional, gas lighting boss.

    HR stated they would investigate the issue, and even with witnesses who put their concerns in writing to HR I was presented with a Termination Letter. I asked them to explain this to me as I was the victim here. I was told this is just the way it goes sometimes, and that I was a whistle blower. Yes, HR stated that to me!! I refused to sign anything and said then you will have to terminate me. What the Hell. So now I have a lawyer. So back to the previous posted issues. YES, move on if you can. I loved working there and the coworkers, but the stress and mental abuse is not worth it. I am going to find someone who appreciates my talent and experiences.

  49. Charlene Bisiada

    Congratulations!! You are worth it.

  50. Anonymous

    Congratulations! I wish that happened to me when I asked for a raise! Good on you.

  51. Robyn McCabria Kelso

    Awesome news!

  52. Anonymous

    I've been dreading this conversation with my boss (& she's one of the best bosses I've worked for). Thank you for sharing this!

  53. Valentina Huang, MBA, SHRM-CP

    Amazing news! Get it!!

  54. MidwestMaven456

    Too many people never ask for anything and assume things will be bad. Congrats on being appreciated. Thanks for the uplifting story.

  55. Valerie Rieger

    Awesome!! Congratulations to you!!

  56. Anonymous

    There is a saying, 'Close mouths don't get fed.' You're proof that this saying holds some truth.

    CONGRATULATIONS!

  57. Sophia Antoine

    Congratulations on your courage and compensation!

  58. yvette finley PHR

    Congratulations!

  59. Amy

    Congrats this is awesome! Thanks for sharing positivity and reassurance to us all.

  60. Julie Anne Smolarek

    Congratulations! this makes me cry with happiness!

  61. Eva Steortz

    Thank you for sharing inspiring and positive news. So happy for you.

  62. WJYW

    I'm so glad it worked out for you!

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