I’ve gotten small raises over the years, but what I really want is a $10K–$20K raise
I’ve been working as an office manager for an insurance office for the past seven years. I started here straight out of school as an administrative assistant and as the firm grew, I’ve worked my way up. I’ve never gone to college and I do feel like I missed out on something by not getting an education, but I don’t think it would be worthwhile at this point, since ultimately my salary is comparable to what many friends who did attend college are earning. Still, my lack of a degree definitely makes me less confident about requesting a raise, even though I know that I’m good at what I do, and I think I’m worth more than what I’m getting now.
I’ve gotten small raises over the years, but what I really want is a $10K–$20K raise. I haven’t started applying to other companies yet, but I do have the feeling that if I’d apply somewhere new, I would be able to ask for that amount from the get-go. Since I’ve been here so long, I don’t think my boss realizes that. But I enjoy my position here and don’t really want to leave. How can I earn more while keeping this job?
Happy and Hungry
Firstly, congratulations! Instead of paying for a college education, you got paid while learning a profession. I think we can all agree that the purpose of an education is to teach you income-earning skills, not a title to flaunt. It sounds like you achieved that without stepping foot into a classroom, so please don’t worry about missing out on anything at all. In your field, experience is the best education, and likely more valuable than a degree.
At this point, you believe that you’re being underpaid, and would like to change that. You’re correct that the easy way to prove your market value to your boss is to interview elsewhere. A competitive offer will clearly establish your salary worth and send that message to your employer. But, since you shared that you do enjoy your current job and would prefer to stay, I’d suggest a more straightforward route versus playing the “lets-ask-the-competition” game.
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