A 5% raise makes me angry.

[Anonymous]

I just got a 5% raise, but I don't feel grateful. I feel insulted. In spite of the economy and the thought that I should be happy to just be employed, I see my company's business booming, I've been working harder than ever, and I have very much contributed to the growing bottom line by offering a skill set that that no one else in the company possesses (this has allowed them to take in new business they previously couldn't). It also doesn't help that I feel generally underpaid. In the back of my mind, I hear the voice of feminists past saying, "This is why women don't make money. They don't speak up and advocate for themselves when they need to." But then I hear the voice of all the unemployed saying, "Be glad you have a job and got a raise at all. Now shut up." I'm looking for some outside perspective.

[Anonymous]

No one in my company got a merit increase this year. Didn't hurt me, but did hurt others. But we have still not had one person fired since the recession began, and this is just another effort by those in charge to keep everybody in their jobs. It's the right thing to do. A 5% raise in this economy is pretty incredible. It's not a woman thing, it's a person thing - be grateful.

[Anonymous]

You can always go look for another job and try to find one where you feel you are being compensated fairly.

[Anonymous]

Why don't you speak up and detail your achievements and worth to your company?

[Anonymous]

If you ask in a non-pushy way, acknowledging the economy but recognizing the disconnect that you mentioned to us- that your company's business is booming, you may well be able to negotiate more. Make sure its rooted in the things you wrote- what you bring to the table that drives $$ to them.

Something to consider though- some companies businesses are booming, but clients are paying slower or not at all, or banks are cutting LOCs so companies have to have more cash on hand- a reduced raise might not only be limited to perceived profitability.

You may have already thought of these things, but just mentioning to be aware of.

I still think it doesn't hurt to ask. I'm always amazed at what I've gotten when I've had the courage to ask for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: A 5% raise in this economy is pretty incredible.

Yeah, I agree.

[Anonymous]

I haven't gotten a raise in 2 years -- and this year, if we get one, it will be no more than 2%. In this economy 5% is darn good. If I heard of anyone in my company getting a 5% raise, I would think they've done REALLY well -- perhaps the same is true for you.

[Anonymous]

I dunno. My company had a bad year this year. I got a 5% raise. It's $8000. I'm pretty happy with that.

[Anonymous]

What was the raise based on?

My raise was based on merit - if you were doing your job it was 3%, if you were going up and above then 5%.

[Anonymous]

My DH just took a 10% pay CUT at his firm -- so 5% raise is nothing to be sad about...

[Anonymous]

LOL would you please have a talk with this lady:

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/89203.page

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No one in my company got a merit increase this year. Didn't hurt me, but did hurt others. But we have still not had one person fired since the recession began, and this is just another effort by those in charge to keep everybody in their jobs. It's the right thing to do. A 5% raise in this economy is pretty incredible. It's not a woman thing, it's a person thing - be grateful.

I agree with this. I got zero raise this year (no one in my company did) and neither did my DH. In previous years my raises have been under three percent.

Count your blessings. For the love of God, in this economy having a job is the bonus.

[Anonymous]

Stop complaining. I've gotten one raise in 4 years.

[Anonymous]

I took a 10% cut in 2008 and 10% in 2009... sorry but 5% would be a reason to go on a fabulous cruise

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just got a 5% raise, but I don't feel grateful. I feel insulted. In spite of the economy and the thought that I should be happy to just be employed, I see my company's business booming, I've been working harder than ever, and I have very much contributed to the growing bottom line by offering a skill set that that no one else in the company possesses (this has allowed them to take in new business they previously couldn't). It also doesn't help that I feel generally underpaid. In the back of my mind, I hear the voice of feminists past saying, "This is why women don't make money. They don't speak up and advocate for themselves when they need to." But then I hear the voice of all the unemployed saying, "Be glad you have a job and got a raise at all. Now shut up." I'm looking for some outside perspective.

The business is booming - they have added on clients b/c of her specific skills.

If you think you are underpaid or should have received more of a raise (or a bonus), talk to your manager. Detail out your case and see where it goes. Worse case they say no, best case, they realize you are unhappy and that you might be looking for greener pastures (the competition). If you left what would happen to the clients who rely on your skills? Would you be able to take them with you?

Yes, be thankful that you have employment, but this does not mean that you need to give up a raise that you deserve just b/c the economy at large is not doing well.