One of the most common questions I get from students is “how do I ask for a raise?”

Whether they are 18 or 58, it’s a valid question. Everyone wants to make more money for some reason or another. Maybe you’re looking for more monetary affirmation of the work you do, you have the goal to pay off your student loans, or you’re trying to save for that dream cruise. Whatever your motivation behind the question will help you when you ask your employer that question. 

However, it doesn’t alleviate the feelings of anxiety that arise when considering asking your employer. My hope is to quell those fears by answering some of the myths associated with them.

Myth 1: “I’m afraid of getting fired by my employer.”

The presupposition behind this statement is that you already know that your employer is going to fire you. You don’t necessarily know that is a guarantee. Unless you propose the question, you don’t know what their answer will be. So, you have far more to gain rather than lose by having a conversation with your supervisor! Also, I would argue that if you know for certain that your boss would fire you for asking for a raise in the first place, you may want to consider looking at other employment options. 

Employers should always be open to a discussion on an increase in pay or change in benefits. They may not always be able to meet your needs, but they should at least be open to converse about whatever options they can offer!

Myth 2: “There’s never a good time to ask for a raise. Just look at the economy!”

I totally sympathize with this, and it’s true. There never is a “good time” to ask for a raise, but there are better times to ask than others. For instance consider: have you been performing exceptionally well? Have you been working at this organization for more than a year? Have others outside your department noted your superb work ethic to your supervisor? Have you helped your company meet its goals? Although this is not an exhaustive list of questions, they can help you evaluate whether or not it is a better time to ask.

Additionally, if you tell yourself there’s never a good time to ask for a raise, then you’ll never ask. If you never ask, you may never get that raise. So, be bold, respectful, and ask for a raise.

Myth #3 - “I don’t want to appear greedy.”

Here’s some inside information, employers are expecting you to be competitive in your compensation negotiations. It doesn’t matter if it’s right when they offer you the job or 10 years later. Good employers want to retain and support good employees. So, they’re expecting you to ask for a raise at some point during your tenure with them. 

Also, have you heard of the phrase The Great Resignation? Over the past few years since the COVID-19 Pandemic, there has been an overwhelming amount of people resigning from their jobs for better opportunities, change in careers, or simply seeking to take a year of travel and self-reflection. Because employers are aware of this trend, they are even more conscientious of employee needs; this includes monetary increases! Therefore, don’t be afraid to ask for that raise. You’re not appearing greedy. You’re appearing self-aware; if you can back up your reasoning for a raise with evidence and research, then you’re making your request even more appealing to your employer.

Now, because this is not an all encompassing list of myths, I recommend you check out this excellent blog that helped influence this week’s blog, 7 Harmful Myths About Asking For A Raise That Just Aren't True

Lastly, if you’d like more information on initial salary negotiations I would encourage you to read our blog post from May 2022, “Salary Negotiations, Accepting Job Offers, Rejecting Job Offers, and Beyond!”. It provides further insight into navigating those initial uncertain waters when offered a job!