What to do when you don’t get a salary raise

 If you’re asking for a raise it’s because you’re a professional, so make sure you act that way even in defeat Photo: Courtesy

It’s not easy mustering up the courage to ask for more money, and potentially put your self-worth on the line. It gets worse when your boss turns you down.

If you’re asking for a raise it’s because you’re a professional, so make sure you act that way even in defeat. Here are some tips that can help you along the way.

Don’t succumb, overcome: How you react when you get turned down for a raise request speaks volumes. It’s human nature to be livid when you get rejected.

You’ve no doubt pleaded your case and backed up your argument with facts and personal accomplishments, so it’s only natural to be hurt and angry when you’re told it’s not good enough, because many people think that translates into “I’m not good enough.” But you’ve got to overcome that urge.

Don’t be a Jerk: I know it’s tough, but if your boss says no, please don’t stomp your feet, take all your toys, and go home.

Too many people become problem employees after they’ve been rejected because of hurt feelings. Now morale is in the basement and you stop working hard because hey, what’s the point? Please don’t.

Think about a new job: Sometimes you either have a bad boss or a company that doesn’t value its workers. If that’s truly the case, it might be time to think about jumping ship.

This shouldn’t be a knee-jerk reaction or done in a fit of rage immediately after your raise request was denied. But if you’ve met all your goals and you’re a consistent top-performer who has been denied raises and opportunities for advancement for no good reason, then you have to do what’s best for you.