I Work Hard but No Raise
Squeezing Money out of Hard work
and Good luck
A few years ago, Donna took a
job with a management consulting company for a flat salary. However, her
business savvy, winning personality, and ability to manage teams have
brought her to the attention of several executives who have used her
services. Because they appreciate Donna so much, they have sent hundreds of
thousands of dollars of business to Donna's company.
Still, no one in Donna's firm
has mentioned the idea of an increase in pay. Sure, she's gotten the
standard raises like everyone else, but there's been no mention of real
money. Donna is becoming a little perturbed, and wonders if she is out of
line for feeling this way.
I say, Donna is justified in
feeling a LOT perturbed-sort of. Pay ought to be commensurate with the value
produced for the company. Donna is clearly producing far more than what she
is being paid. She ought to be rewarded for her outstanding contributions.
The reason I say "sort of" is that the Donnas of the world can't just sit
back and wait for the employer to say, "Donna, you really deserve more
money. Let me take you out to lunch at a swanky restaurant to discuss this."
In some companies, Donna could
be waiting until she retires for that to happen. Instead, Donna has to be
proactive and ask for what she's worth. If the employer isn't willing to pay
what she's worth…well, there are lots of others who will. See separate
article on how to get a raise.
