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Abstract

a PowerPoint slide deck highlighting my contributions and the overall impact of my work.<figure id="bbb5"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*0fE3Yb-jXZBbIZiu1UsSmg.jpeg"><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/handing-out-money-6694574/">Tima Miroshnichenko</a></figcaption></figure><h2 id="b8c1">Third step: the ask</h2>When the day eventually came around I was nervous.I was asking for money, not a kidney. But this was unfamiliar territory for me. And we Brits can be quite hush-hush about money and finances which makes it even more awkward to talk about.The clock struck 11:00 and we made our way down to the meeting room I booked.In some of the videos I’d watched, a few speakers said to be upfront about what the meeting was for so that the other person wouldn’t feel blindsided.I’d ummed and arhed about what I should write on the meeting invite. I ended up saying something nonspecific like ‘discussing my contributions for the past year’ or something similar.Once we arrived at the meeting room, we made ourselves comfortable and after a few minutes of small talk, I whipped out my presentation.I listed out all my accomplishments for the year. All the projects I managed and all the projects I contributed to. I also included screenshots of feedback I received from my clients and even the impact on the wider company (e.g. winning awards and patient feedback).I bled my heart out on the desk. Tastefully, of course.Then I made the ask.In all honesty, this was probably where I didn’t do myself any favours. I should have given a clear sum of what I wanted but I choked at the last minute.<h2 id="0fbe">Fourth step: the aftermath</h2>Despite my final hiccup, I did leave the meeting feeling proud of

Options

myself. I’d done it. I’d prepared myself to do something awkward and instead of talking myself out of it, I followed through and had the conversation.But what was the outcome?Well, pay would be reviewed around February/March alongside performance reviews so the earliest I’d know would be around March.I can’t lie, this did make me feel frustrated. I had not anticipated waiting months for an answer but I had a chance to zoom out and look at the bigger picture.This was only temporary because in less than a year I would be leaving.Yes, I have enjoyed my time here and this has been the best working environment I have ever been employed at but for my growth and to achieve my life goals, I have to move on.There are ways that I want to develop that I can’t do in my current position and I need to explore the opportunities that will help me to do that.And maybe being underpaid is the push I need to get up and go. I have other good reasons too <a href="https://zedbelle.substack.com/p/is-more-money-a-good-reason-to-change">which I discuss here</a>.Let’s just imagine I was getting my ideal salary. The truth is that it would make me less inclined to follow my intuition. I would be holding onto that security, staying longer than necessary.Now, I feel like I’m in the sweet spot: I’m yearning for change and something different, it feels scary and uncomfortable but staying also feels uncomfortable because I am underpaid which makes me feel undervalued.But this is why I have to get on with <a href="https://zedbelle.substack.com/p/the-7-month-quit-my-job-plan">my 7-month quit-the-job plan</a> ASAP Rocky.Join my <a href="https://zedbelle.substack.com/">Substack</a>, to learn the strategic steps for making career change happen.</article></body>

Asking for a Pay Rise Is a Humbling Experience and an Eye Opener

What you can learn from being underpaid

I have never asked for a pay rise before.

I have either worked in jobs with standard pay (like being an NHS doctor) or not stayed anywhere long enough to require one.

But this was different.

I’ve been at my company for a year plus and I’ve helped to produce award-winning campaigns. Plus, I’m underpaid. Plus, I bring a wealth of knowledge above and beyond my current job description.

I deserve a pay rise.

This was me talking to myself. I was trying to convince myself that this was something I had to do.

But if I was going to ask for a raise, I would need to plan.

First step: stalling

I dragged my feet.

I wanted to wait until after my first year had passed. This came and went. Then we had some companywide updates that gave me second thoughts. So I held off for a little while longer. Then eventually, I put some time in the calendar with someone from the leadership team and then started my prep.

Second step: preparation

I couldn’t just go in and ask for the money.

No, I had to make an argument that would be so persuasive that the only right answer would be ‘yes’.

So I Googled or rather I looked on YouTube for some ideas and watched a few videos.

They told me all the things I needed to do and what to say to make my case.

I made notes and put together a PowerPoint slide deck highlighting my contributions and the overall impact of my work.

Third step: the ask

When the day eventually came around I was nervous.

I was asking for money, not a kidney. But this was unfamiliar territory for me. And we Brits can be quite hush-hush about money and finances which makes it even more awkward to talk about.

The clock struck 11:00 and we made our way down to the meeting room I booked.

In some of the videos I’d watched, a few speakers said to be upfront about what the meeting was for so that the other person wouldn’t feel blindsided.

I’d ummed and arhed about what I should write on the meeting invite. I ended up saying something nonspecific like ‘discussing my contributions for the past year’ or something similar.

Once we arrived at the meeting room, we made ourselves comfortable and after a few minutes of small talk, I whipped out my presentation.

I listed out all my accomplishments for the year. All the projects I managed and all the projects I contributed to. I also included screenshots of feedback I received from my clients and even the impact on the wider company (e.g. winning awards and patient feedback).

I bled my heart out on the desk. Tastefully, of course.

Then I made the ask.

In all honesty, this was probably where I didn’t do myself any favours. I should have given a clear sum of what I wanted but I choked at the last minute.

Fourth step: the aftermath

Despite my final hiccup, I did leave the meeting feeling proud of myself. I’d done it. I’d prepared myself to do something awkward and instead of talking myself out of it, I followed through and had the conversation.

But what was the outcome?

Well, pay would be reviewed around February/March alongside performance reviews so the earliest I’d know would be around March.

I can’t lie, this did make me feel frustrated. I had not anticipated waiting months for an answer but I had a chance to zoom out and look at the bigger picture.

This was only temporary because in less than a year I would be leaving.

Yes, I have enjoyed my time here and this has been the best working environment I have ever been employed at but for my growth and to achieve my life goals, I have to move on.

There are ways that I want to develop that I can’t do in my current position and I need to explore the opportunities that will help me to do that.

And maybe being underpaid is the push I need to get up and go. I have other good reasons too which I discuss here.

Let’s just imagine I was getting my ideal salary. The truth is that it would make me less inclined to follow my intuition. I would be holding onto that security, staying longer than necessary.

Now, I feel like I’m in the sweet spot: I’m yearning for change and something different, it feels scary and uncomfortable but staying also feels uncomfortable because I am underpaid which makes me feel undervalued.

But this is why I have to get on with my 7-month quit-the-job plan ASAP Rocky.

Join my Substack, to learn the strategic steps for making career change happen.