Need advice on how to handle upcoming review

[Anonymous]

I'm in my mid 30s and have always worked. I'm a woman - and I've stereotypically never "rocked the boat" when it came to negotiating salary, raises, etc. Frankly I've always been cool to go along for the ride.

I realize that when I started my current job (6 years ago) I should have negotiated. They sort of low-balled me a little and I accepted it. They did give me a very nice raise after one year though, so maybe it worked out.

So that is background, and here we are now: in the beginning of this year, my boss took me aside and told me she would like to promote me and that the head of my department told her to wait until my next review. Basically there was some restructuring being done and she wanted to let me know she was looking out for me. A couple of weeks ago, I got some insider information that beginning next year, all promotions and raises were to be put on hold. We have also had some layoffs, and I feel very lucky to have a job.

I realize this has all been happening for a few years for people and that I was lucky to get my 3% cost of living increase this past year. So I am really not asking for sympathy, but I do need a reality check. All of a sudden, I found out yesterday my review is getting fast-tracked to next week. This may be good news, because it may be my boss's way of ensuring I get an increase and possibly a promotion, if in fact the freeze goes into affect next year. On the other hand, I am prepared to go in, get my review, and be told that there is no raise and no promotion.

I just feel like before the economic crash, I had been surrounded by female colleagues who taught me to look out for myself, act like a man, negotiate, etc. And now, I feel like with the economy, maybe those rules are out the window. If I don't get a raise or promotion, should I just not say anything? Or should I probe to see if things might turn around in a year? I just don't know how to handle. I realize lay offs were a a"game changer" but on the other hand, after lay offs I got organized and I'm doing a job search. There are jobs out there in my field and though I don't know if I'll get any offers....I guess that's in the back of my mind.

So - suck it up and deal and like the rest of America? Oh, and with the layoffs, I did get some additional responsiblities if that makes a difference, and they seem to be done - the layoffs are signalling a new direction our organization is taking, as opposed to major financial troubles it seems.

[Anonymous]

I think it is fair to bring it up to your boss. Say "Last time we spoke, we discussed X. Is there any way we can still get X to happen this year?"

Worst thing she can say is no. They aren't going to fire you for asking. A man would ask.

[Anonymous]

I hear you OP. I like you have been a good employee, good team player, but not the greatest negotiator. And I hate that! It can't hurt to ask...