A reader writes:
Is it potential to negotiate a raise on the one-year mark if your supervisor knows you gained’t leave the corporate over not getting it?
I began at Company 1 in 2019, my first job in my new subject, and was promoted in 2021. In 2022, a recruiter I do know personally contacted me with an incredible job/development alternative at Company 2. At the time, I used to be being advised my wage was going to be raised to a certain quantity and the provide from Company 2 was barely above that, however actually the cash was not the item and it was the training.
I made my causes for leaving clear after I left. Cut to beginning at Company 2, and the top of division left unexpectedly simply earlier than I began. Now the work plans are altering considerably, the shut mentorship I used to be promised went out the window, and my function appears a lot completely different than what I signed on for. Once once more, I really feel like I’m not rising quick sufficient or broadly sufficient in my new profession. At least at Company 1 I may sometimes stretch into new initiatives.
Long story brief, I spilled my woes to somebody at Company 1 who I knew and thought of a pal and mentor earlier than both of us labored there, he requested round, and each my direct supervisor and the CTO welcomed me again with open arms after I’d been at Company 2 for about 4 months. I used to be ready to return at my earlier wage, however they introduced me again with a increased title and a pay bump equal to what I used to be making at Company 2. Since then I’ve been thriving and concerned in a a lot massive scope than earlier than.
It’s now arising on one 12 months since I’ve been again, and together with that a one-year overview. I really feel like I deserve a small raise as a result of I’ve taken on a lot extra accountability and initiative since returning (though I needed to do precisely that). Also, not related to the corporate however simply the info: my companion is out of labor with no job in sight, our hire goes up subsequent month, and financially we’re going to be reducing it shut on my present wage. At the identical time, Company 1 has already been so beneficiant, and I’m positively by no means leaving until it’s compelled financially, which at this level it isn’t (barely). Should I even ask in any respect? If so, how?
Yes, you ought to nonetheless ask for a raise if you suppose your work warrants one!
A raise is recognition that your contributions to the corporate have elevated because the final time your wage was set — you’re higher at your job now, have taken on new duties, or so forth. That’s the case even when you had been glad to tackle these new duties, and even when you particularly requested to tackle these duties. Your wage ought to mirror what your work is price to the corporate and the market, not how glad you are to be doing it.
It’s true that raises are retention gadgets (a methodology to make sure good individuals don’t leave for higher pay elsewhere) however that doesn’t imply that corporations see no use for them if they don’t suppose you’re prone to leave. Well-run corporations wish to compensate individuals appropriately, in order that they don’t have their loyal star performer incomes lower than others simply because they know she’s not going anyplace, and likewise so salaries all through the group are a part of an general construction that is smart throughout roles and ranges of efficiency. Plus, they know that “not interested in leaving” doesn’t imply you couldn’t be tempted by a suggestion that fell in your lap for more cash some other place, even if you didn’t actively go looking for it.
I believe you’re pondering of this as, “Well, they knew I really wanted to come back and maybe they’ll think I should be grateful they let me, and asking for more money will make it seem like I don’t recognize the history.” But that’s not how salaries work, and it’s actually unlikely your supervisor will suppose that.
And talking of gratitude … Company 1 didn’t rent you again at a increased title and with a pay bump as a favor to you! They did it as a result of it made enterprise sense — they needed you to return again, they thought you’d do effectively within the job they provided you, and so they bumped your pay as a result of it was a increased stage function (and your wage at Company 2 gave them some information available on the market). I’m certain they like you — managers don’t typically rent individuals again if they don’t like them — however they weren’t doing you a favor or giving you a reward, even if it felt like that to you as a result of you had been so glad to get out of Company 2.
So you don’t have to strategy this any extra delicately than you would some other raise request. All you have to say is, “As part of my review, I’d like to talk about adjusting my salary to reflect the work I’ve been doing.”
