It's time you get what you deserve. (A raise. What did you THINK I meant?)
Awhile back I successfully requested and received a 25% raise. Not bad for only a few months on the job. But I worked hard, went above and beyond my job description, and understood that timing was everything.
After my boss was already impressed with my quality of work, he realized a snag left by the previous admin: an important document with all original signatures was missing. We needed the original to continue the large construction project our firm was managing, and signatures came from individuals all across the country. To re-originate would take weeks, but going without was not an option. “If I find it,” I asked, “do I get a raise?”
He laughed, ha ha, because I’m so funny, and jokingly answered that I would. What a comedian. But I riffled through every single piece of paper in the entire office until I located the document. When I marched it into his office, holding the paper triumphantly, he was astonished. “Guess you get that raise, now, huh?”
Yup. But a moment later we were no longer joking. I pointed out that my skills exceeded the job description, and that I was using them accordingly. The files had never been in better shape. Document control was down to a science. Plus, I was doing the work of a full-time admin in only half the hours, which saved the company money.
He could not disagree, and that very day was on the job with his supervisor asking for permission to raise my salary. A week later it went into effect.
I rule. But you can, too. If you’re thinking of asking for a raise, (and you should), check out my article Asking for a Raise. And send me presents with all of your extra cash.
