I want a raise!
Observe a plant placed inside a box with a small hole in it. The
plant will elongate outside the box through the hole so that its
leaves will reach the sunlight. Why? It's because of its needs
of the sunlight to grow and bear fruit when the time comes. It
is only natural for a plant to bear fruit.
Look at you, isn't it that you want a raise -- you want to be
promoted? Would you like some thought? Listen to me...
Are you good at your work? If not then you have to strive to
know more so that you can outgrow your work. It is only when you
outgrow the requirements of work that you can be promoted.
Okay so how? Read books, eBooks and all kinds of information
which is free on the web. That way you will be feeding your mind
with food that it needs to grow. You see, as the sunlight is
food to the plant, information is food to your brain.
So after sometime of extra effort (mind you not everybody is
willing to do that) you are now much more capable and qualified
than what your work requires. Sooner or later, your boss will
begin to notice the improve quality and speed of your work. Make
it known to him that you welcome more challenging task. Ask him
what more can you possibly do to help the company reach its goal.
Hmmm... so far so good but what if your company doesn't give you
the chance to contribute more of your abilities? Well, it's time
to apply to other companies. That will mean the possibility of
leaving your officemates who are now close friends. Well, it's
actually your decision whether you prioritize your social life
or the brighter future that is waiting for you.
In my experience, if you want to have a raise, apply for another
job. You tell then your prospective employer that you have
outgrown your current job which is basically the reason why you
are exploring for better job opportunities. You will only accept
the job offer, of course, if the offered salary is greater than
your current salary. Aha! That's the raise.
There are two possibilities here, either your company will
convince you to remain because they value you (and that means
they are offering a bigger check!), or, in case there is no
position in your present company for you to be promoted into,
then that is the go signal for you to transfer. Either scenario,
you got a raise.
After that, repeat the process again. Along the way you become
more knowledgeable and capable of solving problems required in
most work environments. You are being paid of the problem that
you are capable of solving and that makes you an asset to any
company.
So, does this not mean that I will be hated by my employers
because I will not be staying with them for long?
Well, of course not. In the first place, it's not your motive to
transfer to another company but to be promoted since you have
upgraded your qualifications which enables you to accomplish
more tasks and solve more problems. You are leaving a company
only if a position for you to grow is not available. In that
case, it is but reasonable for you to transfer to another
company that needs you. Say amen if you agree!
PS: You need to honor the agreement you signed with your
company regarding the period for them to look for your
replacement. It is important to maintain a good relationship
with your employers. Who knows for sure whether you will be
working with them again in the future!