Asking for a Raise: The Budget Is Frozen

Come in, Rachel. You wanted a quick chat?

Yes, thanks for making the time. Um, I'll get straight to the point.

I'd like to talk about my salary.

Oh! Okay... that's not what I was expecting.

Go on, I'm listening.

Over the past year, I've taken on a lot more responsibility.

I took over the Hartley account when Steve left.

And I've trained both of the new hires in my team.

That's true. The Hartley people love you, actually.

So I've been looking at what similar roles pay elsewhere.

I think a twelve percent increase would be fair.

Well... I'll be honest with you, Rachel.

The budget's been frozen until January. My hands are tied.

With respect, I've been told that every year.

I know, and I'm sorry. It's not the answer you deserve.

It's just hard to feel valued when nothing changes.

What if we looked at this a different way?

I'm open to ideas. What did you have in mind?

I could ask HR for an exception and get you five percent now.

Then we'd do a full review in January, with a senior title.

Hmm... five now, and a proper review in January?

Exactly. And I'll back you all the way.

Okay. Could we put that in writing, though?

Ha! You really have done your homework, haven't you?

Well, I learned from the best.

Fair enough. I'll email you this afternoon.

Thank you, Daniel. I really appreciate it.

And thank you for being so honest. That took guts.