What to Do When Your Raise Isn’t Enough (2024)

FAQs

What to Do When Your Raise Isn’t Enough? ›

Thank your boss for the salary bump and recognition they've already given you, and then explain why you believe the number should be reconsidered. Share your big accomplishments, as well as the salary data you've gathered, to back up why you would like your manager to reconsider your raise.

What you can and should do is re-anchor by making a counter-offer, giving your employer a compelling reason to either accept it or counter it with something less than 25% but more than 7%. In response to that counter, feel free to counter again.

This can be trickier than it has any right to be. As a matter of general principle, yes, you should be able to say that you don't want to take on additional responsibilities unless you're paid appropriately for them, particularly when those responsibilities are clearly part of a higher-level, higher-paid job.

Key Takeaways. Make sure you're prepared if you're going to ask your boss for a raise. Pay increases tend to vary based on inflation, location, sector, and job performance. Most employers give their employees an increase of around 3% per year.

A lowball offer refers to an offer that is lower than the expected salary range for a particular position or may not include important benefits that you were expecting. Lowball offers can be frustrating and disappointing, but it's important to know why some companies make such offers.

A powerful phrase to use when you are negotiating salary based on an initial amount that strikes you as a bit low is “I'm a little disappointed.” Use it as a transition into asking how the amount can be negotiated to a more acceptable amount.

So, can you lose a job offer by negotiating salary? Technically yes, though it's highly unlikely if you do it right. One thing is for certain: you won't get what you want if you don't ask for it!

Why am I making less money after a raise? ›

Key Takeaways

If you've recently received a raise or promotion, you may be disappointed that your increased salary or rate is not fully reflected in your take-home pay. There can be a variety of reasons for this, but the most common are taxes, retirement contributions, and health care costs.

Schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss your concerns professionally. Present evidence of your achievements and how they've benefited the company. Be clear about your desired salary increase and justify it based on industry standards and your performance.

In this case, you can use the current inflation rate as a base for your request, then ask for a little additional money tied to your job performance. Even if you don't get the raise you want, experts suggest asking for other perks such as bonuses or flexible work arrangements that can help you save money.

Demonstrating your value: Show your boss why you deserve a raise by highlighting specific and quantifiable evidence of your achievements since your last pay increase. Focus on exceeding objectives, completing successful projects, and taking on additional responsibilities.

The law doesn't say, “If you do 20% more work, you should get 20% more pay.” If you're taking on more job duties but you're an hourly worker and you're not actually working any more hours, you're not entitled to any more pay. And if you're a salaried employee, you're not entitled to any more pay either.

Mention the salary research you've done, and suggest a rate of pay higher than your desired salary. For example: “I've done some research on similar positions in the area, and it seems like the average salary is somewhat higher than this offer.

List measurable benefits you have brought to the company; include specific numbers and data. Look into any additional education or certifications you could complete to help increase your value as an employee. Write out how your responsibilities, hours, and role may have increased and expanded during your employment.