5 Signs It’s Time to Ask for a Raise (and Exactly How to Do It)

Hey, Best Friend!

Let’s talk about something that so many of us think about but don’t always feel comfortable saying out loud: asking for a raise. Even the thought of it can make your heart race. You start rehearsing what you’d say in your head, second-guessing whether you even deserve it, and imagining every possible response your boss could give. It’s a conversation that feels heavy because it’s tied to our self-worth, financial security, and the way we’re valued at work. But here’s the truth—if you’ve been working hard and contributing to your company’s success, you deserve to be recognized, not just with kind words, but with compensation that reflects your value.

Many people put off asking for a raise because they don’t want to seem ungrateful, or they’re afraid of hearing no. But waiting too long can lead to resentment, burnout, and even the feeling of being taken advantage of. So how do you know when it’s the right time? Often, the signs are already there—you just need to notice them. Maybe you’ve found yourself doing far more than what was originally in your job description. You started out handling a small piece of the puzzle, but now you’re managing projects, guiding teammates, or taking on responsibilities that no one else seems to want. This kind of growth is natural, but if your paycheck hasn’t kept up with your workload, it’s a strong indicator that it’s time to bring the subject up.

Another sign might be in the way you perform your work. Think about how often you go above and beyond what’s expected. Maybe you don’t just meet deadlines—you beat them. Maybe you don’t just finish projects—you improve the process while you’re at it. When you become the person your colleagues turn to because they know you’ll deliver, you’re adding value that goes beyond the basic requirements of your job. And while appreciation is nice, appreciation plus fair compensation is even better.

Then there’s the simple matter of time. If it’s been more than a year since you’ve had a salary adjustment, chances are your earnings are no longer keeping up with inflation or industry standards. Even if your role hasn’t changed dramatically, the cost of living has, and your salary should evolve with the times. Employers who value their staff understand this, but sometimes they need a gentle reminder. That’s where your voice comes in.

Speaking of industry standards, it’s also worth paying attention to what others in your field are making. A little research can go a long way in helping you understand your market value. Tools like Glassdoor or LinkedIn Salary can quickly show you whether your current pay aligns with the average for your position, experience, and location. If you find yourself falling noticeably below the line, it’s not just a sign—it’s a reason to advocate for yourself.

And finally, ask yourself how essential you are to your team. Would things stumble if you weren’t there to keep projects moving? Are you the person who knows systems inside out, or who manages client relationships others couldn’t easily handle? Being a key player is more than just a compliment; it’s leverage. If your role has become critical to the success of your workplace, it’s only fair that your salary reflects that reality.

So, once you recognize that the signs are pointing you toward asking for a raise, how do you actually go about doing it? This is where preparation becomes your best friend. Walking into the conversation without being ready is what feeds the nerves. The first step is to do your research. Numbers speak volumes, and having data about what people in your position typically earn gives you a foundation that’s objective and hard to dismiss. It also shifts the conversation from being about what you “want” to what the market shows you “deserve.”

Once you’ve gathered your research, the next step is to build your case. Think about the past year and take note of everything you’ve accomplished. Did you help save the company money, bring in new clients, streamline a process, or take on extra responsibilities? Document it. Think of this like creating your personal highlight reel—a clear picture of how you’ve made a difference. When you can tie your request for a raise to concrete examples and measurable impact, it shows your employer that this isn’t just about you wanting more, it’s about the value you bring to the business.

Timing is another piece of the puzzle. While you shouldn’t wait endlessly for the perfect moment, being strategic helps. The best times to bring it up are during performance reviews, after you’ve completed a major project successfully, or when your company is in a strong financial position. Avoid trying to squeeze the conversation in when your boss is overwhelmed or distracted—this deserves their full attention.

And because confidence grows with preparation, it helps to practice what you’ll say. This doesn’t mean you need a word-for-word script, but having a clear outline can keep you focused and calm. You might start by expressing gratitude for your role and the opportunities you’ve had, then highlight your accomplishments, share the research you’ve gathered, and confidently state that you’d like to discuss adjusting your salary to better reflect your contributions and market standards. It’s professional, respectful, and direct.

Of course, even with all the preparation in the world, the thought of asking for a raise can still be nerve-wracking. That’s normal. But remember this: you’re not asking for a favor. You’re advocating for fair compensation in exchange for the value you bring. Reframe the conversation in your mind—it’s not begging, it’s negotiating. And if the answer happens to be “not right now,” don’t be discouraged. Instead, ask for clarity on what milestones you’d need to hit in order to be considered for a raise in the future. That way, you walk away with a roadmap instead of a dead end.

Asking for a raise is one of those career moments that feels big because it is. It’s about more than just money; it’s about stepping into your worth and affirming that the work you do matters. And best friend, it does matter. The energy, skills, and dedication you bring to the table are worth recognizing—and yes, they’re worth paying for. So take a deep breath, prepare your case, and walk into that conversation with your head held high. You’ve earned it, and it’s time for your paycheck to show it.

How to Ask for a Raise (Step by Step)

Okay, so you’re seeing some (or all) of these signs. Now what? Here’s the game plan to turn that awareness into action.

1. Do Your Research (Know the Numbers)

Walking into a raise conversation without numbers is like going into a boxing match without gloves. You need data.

Start by checking resources like:

• Glassdoor: Salary averages by job title and city.

• PayScale: Custom reports based on experience, education, and location.

• LinkedIn Salary Insights: What professionals in your industry are reporting.

Pro tip: Don’t just focus on base salary—check benefits too. If you’re underpaid in salary but your benefits package is strong, you’ll want to acknowledge that in your conversation.

2. Build Your Case (Show Your Receipts)

This is where you shine. Document your contributions with specifics:

• Projects you’ve led.

• Metrics you’ve improved.

• Revenue or savings you’ve generated.

• Recognition you’ve received from clients, colleagues, or leadership.

Example phrasing: "In the past year, I’ve taken ownership of our client onboarding process, reducing errors by 30%. I also trained two new hires and implemented a reporting system that saves the team five hours a week."

This shows not just that you’ve been busy, but that you’ve made measurable impact.

3. Choose the Right Timing

Timing can make or break the conversation. Some of the best moments to bring it up:

• During performance reviews (expected, natural setting).

• After successfully completing a big project.

• When the company announces strong earnings or growth.

Avoid times when your boss is overwhelmed or the company is in crisis mode. You want their full attention.

4. Practice What You’ll Say

Confidence grows with preparation. Draft a script and practice it until it feels natural. You want to sound clear, not robotic.

Here’s an example structure:

1. Start positive: “I’ve really enjoyed growing in my role this past year.”

2. Highlight contributions: “I’ve taken on X, accomplished Y, and exceeded Z goals.”

3. Present your research: “Based on my market research, professionals in similar roles earn between [X–Y].”

4. Make the ask: “I’d like to discuss adjusting my salary to better reflect my contributions and market standards.”

5. Stay Professional & Open

Even if you feel nervous, stay calm and collected. If your boss says “not right now,” don’t take it as a hard no. Instead, ask:

• “What specific goals would I need to achieve to be considered for a raise in the future?”

• “Can we revisit this conversation in three to six months?”

This sets a clear roadmap and shows you’re serious about your growth.

Managing the Nerves (Because This is Stressful)

Let’s be real, Best Friend—asking for more money is nerve-wracking. Here are a few tips to calm the butterflies:

• Reframe the conversation: You’re not begging—you’re negotiating based on value.

• Role-play with a friend: Practice saying your script out loud.

• Breathe before the meeting: A few deep breaths can reset your nervous system.

• Remember your worth: You’ve got receipts, results, and value. You’re not asking for a favor—you’re asking for fairness.

You’ve got this. Now go out there and ask for that raise—your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.