Is a title change the right time to ask for a raise?
My company is going through a reorg and there is a possibility I may be promoted from state director to regional director or regional VP depending what title they decide. I would have 4 states under me vs. 1. I have never been promoted honestly, I was an individual contributor for most of my career but moved to this company last summer after 10 years of no growth. I’m not sure how to address the salary piece, more responsibility should be more money right? But this reorg is an attempt to correct some losses because of covid.
Im a solid GenXer, I don’t make waves, I usually just go out and get a better job when I feel underpaid or under appreciated.
Hey there, congrats on the promotion possibility! There's some great advice on negotiating for a raise through Harvard Business Review's Women at Work series (podcast /blogs). I'd recommend looking those up. They've gathered specific stories from listeners on exactly what they did to prepare and justify their ask for a raise.
Because you haven't had many promotions in your career, your perspective on what's fair/normal may have some missing holes. It's important that you ask them about the new role too, not simply accept what they offer. Make sure you're clear on how success is measured in that role to ensure they align with your values and priorities. You'll want to ask what your opportunities for further raises/advancement will be when you're successful.
Finally, this is a good time to get guidance from a coach as you maneuver this. It can help you gain considerable leverage and salary increase.
You should absolutely begin the conversation of an increase, especially with increased responsibility. Advocate for yourslef. go into the conversation with some thoughts on why you deserve the increase as well, just so you are prepared. Good luck! Remember you are worth it!
That is the thing about us Xers, is we generally don't make waves. However, asking for a raise when you are given more responsibility is not "making waves", it's sticking up for yourself and asking for what you deserve. I would suggest speaking about it 1:1 with your supervisor, versus in a group. Practice what you will say with a friend so that all the emotional heeby-jeebies are removed from your communication, and you can simply stand in the truth of your personal empowerment. You got this!
If you're also experiencing an increase in responsibilities then you should definitely be addressing salary, especially if you're being told that that it's a promotion.
It would be very reasonable for you to ask for more money. No reason not to. They can only say yes or no. Just be thoughtful and respectful when you ask and thank them for the consideration. Ultimately, if they say no you can always look for another job, but why not try to make this one work.