Now’s the right time to ask boss for a raise

Last year I barely got a pay increase, but my boss keeps saying things in jest like, “You better not leave, we can’t afford to replace you!” Yet, they barely pay me as it is. I’m tempted to leave and just started my job search. What should I do?

Talk to your boss if you want to stay. Especially if your company’s fiscal year is July 1, between now and June is typically when HR and managers meet to discuss annual salary increases. I’m assuming you enjoy working there and the only bad thing (now, I’m the one talking in jest because it’s a big deal and often a top reason for leaving employers) is the pay.

Sit down with your boss and point out your accomplishments and ask for a significant raise. Remind yourself to pause and breathe while engaging in dialogue to hear what your boss says.

Absolutely look for a new job regardless! It’s a win-win situation. If your current employer is able to pay you top dollar (even if it’s not salary review time at your company, have that meaningful conversation with your boss sooner rather than later), then you may want to stay.

Even if your company does provide you with a significant increase, you may find another opportunity externally that provides a salary plus growth and anything else your current employer doesn’t offer.

And if your company is unable to provide you with the salary you deserve, well, by starting your job search now, you won’t be disappointed and have to start your job search at that point because it will already be well underway.

I juggle a few part-time jobs. I love it! I’m able to create my own schedule and I’m never bored. The only thing is,

eventually I’d like to have one job instead of four. I really like one client in particular — how can they hire me?

First, congrats on successfully juggling a few side hustles! That’s an art and it sounds like you’ve mastered it. Good for you also for thinking long-term and what you want. This is huge. Now that you know who you want to work for, what type of work do you want to do for them? How are your skills a fit? And how can you learn what may be currently lacking to upskill yourself to get to that point?

Speak to someone who works there, like your current boss. Express your interest for long-term employment.

If you recently started working with them, I’d wait at least a little so there’s a track record to show your work ethic and quality of work as well as positive attitude.

Once you’ve established yourself after several months, highlight your strengths to your boss and ask who you should speak with internally such as a recruiter to send your resume.

Also, search their job board to see if anything is currently availability that fits your skills and experiences. Also, network internally with other departments to learn more about what they do.

Above all, remain positive, keep moving forward and feel free to write back to me with the next question as to how to successfully wind down your side hustles because you’ve landed a full-time opportunity with your dream employer.