Asking for a Raise: Timing is Everything

Should you or should you not ask your boss for more money? This is a legitimate question many employees need to deal with at some point in their careers. In addition to needing to ask for a higher wage the proper way, you need to do it at the right time. As they say, timing is everything. By reading this article, you will learn the best and worst times to ask for a raise.

Good Time Number One: You have been on the job for a while. It is important to wait until you have proven yourself.

Good Time Number Two: You are currently doing well. It makes sense to ask if you are doing well.

Good Time Number Three: The company is doing well. You should only ask if it is making a healthy profit.

Good Time Number Four: The economy is good. It is best to ask when the general corporate atmosphere is favorable.

Good Time Number Five: Your firm's worker productivity level is high. It only makes sense for you all to be rewarded if you are making a good contribution to the bottom line.

Good Time Number Six: You are being given a good performance review. At this point, you have leverage to seek more money.

Bad Time Number One: You have only been with the firm for a short amount of time. If you ask for more too soon, you might come across as being too ambitious or a troublemaker.

Bad Time Number Two: The company is doing poorly or losing money. If this is happening, you and your co-workers are probably in danger of being let go.

Bad Time Number Three: The economy is in bad shape. At this point, you should be glad just to have a job.

Bad Time Number Four: The organization is laying off some of the staff. You should probably just remain silent unless you are being asked to carry a higher workload now.

Bad Time Number Five: You are being given a poor performance review. You need to get it together before you can even think of seeking higher pay.

Bad Time Number Six: The boss is in a bad mood. It is vital to talk to her when she is in a good mood.

You have learned the best and worst times to ask for a raise. Use the information you have learned to make the right decision!