I was recently given a boatload of new responsibilities at work. I won’t go into the gory details to protect the innocent, but let’s just say it was unexpected and has sent my workflow into a tailspin. I was divulging the particulars to a good friend who then asked, “I’m assuming you asked for remuneration?”
And my answer was a terse and confident, “No Way.”
I don’t ask for raises. I never have. I feel like a pansy for this but then I thought about it a bit more. I like my job, but I like my husband and my sanity more. While I’m committed to doing the best job I possibly can at work, I have things to do after 5pm.
Asking for a raise is like agreeing to go on a fancy dinner date with a guy you don’t really like. You say yes. You go on the date. It’s not unbearable, and he spends over $100. You are impressed and flattered. You feel compelled to put out, even though you are not totally committed to him.
Asking for a raise is the equivalent of going steady with your job. You are telling your job, “I love you, I want more of you…” Do you really like it that much? I mean, unless you’ve found a job you can marry, it doesn’t seem worth it to me.
A raise initiated by your boss is meant to be a reward for a job well done or simply fair to keep pace with the cost of living. A raise you secure by request is your promise to work harder, that you are ready to raise the bar on your current level of involvement. Which is great for a long-term relationship, for building a career.
While I didn’t negotiate for more pay, I did let my boss know that the new responsibilities would have to take the place of some current ones. He agreed and everyone is happy.
Why I've Never Asked For a Raise
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4 Comments:
i'm new to your site, but i'm going to keep reading - sounds like we have a lot in common!i also have never demanded a raise - i like your metaphor, equivalent to going steady - so true! but let's hope i get a raise before i get a steady boyfriend, ha.
@ a little bird - if by "a lot in common" you mean you are equally obsessed with birds as I am...I love the banner on your site.
As for raises, I find that they require a level of committment that isn't right for everyone, whereas in my personal relationships I'm willing to sacrifice a lot more for the rewards.
I've never thought of it that way, but you are definitely right. I received a raise to offset inflation earlier this year, and while I've been contemplating asking for a raise on my hire date because of all the hard work I've done (which I think went above and beyond my job description). It didn't really occur to me that it would also signify that I wanted more job responsibilities rather than just being a reward. Really good point. There's definitely not enough work/life balance these days so kudos to you for sticking up for your personal time!
@Emily - thanks for stopping by...yes, I agree, raises are for people who are truly committed to their jobs, and if that's the case, great! Otherwise, I'm happy with the status quo...in fact, if you read on, you'll find I took a huge pay cut and left my job!
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