The pandemic has been a time of reflection. If you’re content with your job, but not your salary, you may be missing out by not asking for a raise.

Kenneth White, an associate professor in the Master of Science in Financial Planning in UGA’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences, spoke with 11 Alive regarding how exactly you should approach this situation.  

“This is a great time to really reassess what it is that you want for your career, your work, your home life, your work life balance and go ahead and make that ask,” explained Dr. White. 

However, Dr. White made it clear that you need to prepare for this conversation and make sure you know exactly what you want, and to be specific.

“Is it 10% more or is it 20% more? Do you want a $5,000 raise or do you want a $5 per hour raise? You have to determine what it is that you want,” he said.

Make sure you’ve done your research. Don’t be afraid to ask around and see if your salary is on par with others in your industry with the same experience and education.

“Just keep in mind that your employer, it costs them money to attract new talent to fill the position if you were to leave,” Dr. White said. “So in most cases, your employer will try to retain you as best as they can.”

Once you’re ready to ask, act with confidence.

“Everything is negotiable and asking for more money does not mean that your employer is going to let you go,” White concluded.

He also said if financial constraints keep your boss from offering a raise, maybe you can negotiate benefits, like more vacation.

Read the original article here.