3 Reasons I've Never Asked For A Raise

Disclaimer: The following does not constitute legal and/or financial advice. I am not a financial advisor. These are personal experiences and lessons gathered. Use at your own discretion. 

Of the workers who have not asked for a raise from their current employer, PayScale found that men and women reported different reasons for not asking. Men were more likely to say that they haven’t asked because they received a raise before seeking one or because they are happy with their salary. Women were more likely than men (9 percentage points) to say they’re uncomfortable with negotiating salary.*
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I don't recall ever formally asking for a raise but, thankfully, received a few thus far in my career. I always took the approach that raises are earned, not requested. Sometimes employees can end up looking desperate when they ask. And desperate employees make employers uneasy - Will they leave soon? Can I count on them in the future? Will they stick around for this big project? Etc.

If an employer sees the value I bring and is convinced of my dedication, good attitude, competency, etc., they will take the first step in offering a raise. Now, I realize this is not always the case and not everyone thinks this way. If you work at a company that does not give raises or is underperforming and they can't give raises, you may want to consider making a change.

There may be times in life when your financial situation is tight and you feel compelled to ask for help. Often, employers can be there to provide some breathing room. But we need to be careful not to fall in the category of employees who think that their employer perpetually owes them something. This is a trap for self-pity and fuels an attitude of hostility towards people who have done you no harm and ignorance towards personal responsibility.

Asking an employer for more money is uncomfortable for some people. They don't know where to begin. There will always be emotions involved when discussing pay but the best employees have learned to control their emotions and take a mature, objective and responsible approach. Or...they put themselves in a place where they never have to ask.

Here's Why I've Never Asked For A Raise:

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