When You Love Your Job but Not Your Salary: How to Ask for a Raise the Right Way
- hemander linkcvright
- Dec 12, 2025
- 4 min read
Most professionals reach a point in their career when the work feels rewarding, the team feels right, and the company culture feels supportive — yet something still feels off. For many, that “something” is the salary.
It’s a difficult situation. You may enjoy your workplace, but every payday leaves you wondering whether your contribution is really valued.
This is exactly what happened to Riya, a dedicated employee who had been with her company for three years. Her story is familiar to many—and a powerful reminder that speaking up matters.
Let’s walk through what happened, what you can learn, and how to confidently ask for a raise using practical career guidance, resume tips, and job-search strategies that professionals often overlook.
What Happened: Riya’s Story
Riya genuinely liked her job. Her team respected her. Her manager supported her growth. But every time she reviewed her salary slip, her motivation dipped a little.
“I’m doing more work now, but my salary is still the same,” she thought.
She wasn’t upset with her workplace — only with the mismatch between her effort and her compensation.
This is common in workplaces where responsibilities slowly increase but salary doesn’t grow at the same pace.
Instead of staying silent or switching jobs immediately, Riya decided to take a professional and strategic approach.
The Key Message: Being Underpaid Doesn’t Mean You Must Leave — Sometimes You Just Need the Right Conversation
Many employees assume that asking for a raise is risky. But the bigger risk is staying quiet and letting resentment build.
Riya’s case teaches us that:
You can be loyal to your company and still advocate for fair pay.
Salary negotiations are not confrontations — they are conversations.
Preparation is the real key to confidence.
Her process mirrors effective job-search steps, interview preparation habits, and even elements of good CV writing and LinkedIn profile optimization: you highlight your value, show your achievements, and communicate clearly.
How Riya Prepared: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
1. She Researched Industry Salary Standards
Before asking for a raise, Riya wanted to know what people in her role earned. She used salary comparison websites, LinkedIn insights, and industry reports.
This gave her:
A realistic range to aim for
The confidence that her request was fair
The data needed to make her case stronger
2. She Chose the Right Time
Timing matters. Riya avoided busy weeks, deadlines, and stressful periods. Instead, she scheduled a formal meeting with her manager when things were calm and organized.
3. She Listed Her Achievements
Riya treated her conversation almost like presenting an optimized CV:
Processes she improved
Clients she retained
Extra responsibilities she took on
Projects she delivered successfully
This helped her show the direct impact of her work on company growth.
4. She Knew Her Number
Instead of saying “I want a raise,” she came prepared with a clear and reasonable figure. This made her sound confident, informed, and professional.
5. She Practiced Her Talking Points
To avoid sounding nervous or emotional, she rehearsed her conversation with a friend. This helped her:
Stay calm
Stick to facts
Communicate clearly
6. She Stayed Professional
During the meeting, Riya avoided complaining or comparing herself to others. She simply shared her contributions, her growth, and her request.
The tone remained polite and positive — not confrontational.
7. She Discussed Her Future Plans
Riya didn’t just talk about what she had done. She also explained what she wanted to achieve next, the skills she planned to build, and how she aimed to contribute more.
This showed long-term commitment.
8. She Was Open to Negotiation
Her manager didn’t say “yes” right away.
There were discussions. There were questions. There were alternative options like bonuses, revised responsibilities, or future review cycles.
Riya stayed flexible and listened with an open mind.
9. She Followed Up Politely
After the meeting, she thanked her manager for the discussion — a simple gesture that shows professionalism and maturity.
The Outcome
A few weeks later, her manager returned with good news:
✔️ She was getting a raise✔️ She was offered a new opportunity to grow within the company
Her preparation, patience, and communication paid off.
Actionable Takeaways: How You Can Ask for a Raise Professionally
If you’re in a situation like Riya’s, here are practical steps you can follow:
1. Do Your Homework
Research salary standards for your role, experience level, and location.
Check job postings and LinkedIn to understand what the market pays.
2. Track Your Achievements
Maintain a small “wins” document.
Highlight numbers, percentages, revenue impact, or time saved.
3. Practice Your Script
Use clear, simple statements like: “Here’s how my role has expanded, and here’s how I’ve contributed to our goals.”
4. Keep Emotions Out
Focus on your value, not personal financial needs.
5. Be Open to Options
Benefits, bonuses, training opportunities, or new responsibilities can also help your long-term growth.
6. Build a Strong Professional Profile
Sometimes a raise conversation goes better when your professional profile reflects your achievements. Updating your:
CV with measurable results
LinkedIn profile with projects and skills
Resume summary with clear value propositions
…can strengthen your confidence and negotiation power.
Conclusion: Speak Up for Your Worth
If you enjoy your job but feel your salary doesn’t reflect your contribution, you’re not alone. Riya’s story proves that with the right preparation and attitude, you can initiate a positive and productive salary conversation.
Don’t wait for someone else to notice your value. Learn to communicate it clearly, professionally, and confidently. Your career growth depends not just on what you do — but on how you advocate for yourself.
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