Dear Dr. Mimi – Raise Needed

Dear Dr. Mimi:
I have heard talk that several co-workers received raises in the past couple of months. I haven’t been approached about a raise, yet I do double the work. I stay later and arrive earlier than my co-workers and am one of the only employees to always submit my reviews on time. My boss says he appreciates my hard work, but it ends there. I want to negotiate a raise, but I am afraid that it’ll make me come off as money-obsessed. What should I do?
—Raise Needed

Dear Raise:
Technically, you don’t know for sure if your co-workers got raises or not. Having
said that, many organizations are considering raises this year to keep their
good employees. You know that you bring quality, on-time work, but what about any
weaknesses? Approach your boss, kindly but firmly, and ask to discuss a raise.
Focus on the strengths you bring and why you deserve that raise. If you can show
how you make or save money for the organization, that can be a big plus!
—Dr. Mimi


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