Get Raise-Ready in One Evening (Without Spiralling)

If “make more money this year” is on your mental list - right next to “sleep more” and “drink more water” - this might be the most practical place to start.

It’s the quiet, obvious thing you keep meaning to do - and the longer you leave it as a thought, the heavier it gets.

“I should probably ask for a raise.”

Not urgently. Not today. Just… eventually.

So you keep working. Delivering. Being reliable. Being competent.

And the thought stays there in the background, tapping you on the shoulder every now and then.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not late and you’re not failing. You just haven’t turned the thought into a plan yet.

This is your one-evening plan, so you can walk into the year with something clearer than “I’ll do it soon.”

The part nobody tells you about asking for a raise

We’re taught some version of: Be easy to work with. Don’t be a fuss. Be grateful. Don’t make it awkward.

Even when you’re underpaid, the idea of bringing it up can feel like you’re asking for too much. So when you think about asking for a raise, your nervous system interprets it as: I’m about to create tension. When in reality, you’re doing something clear and fair:

You’re making sure your work is visible and your pay reflects it.

Asking for more is part of financial confidence. It’s not being “difficult.” It’s being clear. And given the very real gender pay gap, “staying quiet and hoping someone notices” is… not exactly a reliable strategy.

You’re not asking for a raise because you’re pushy.

You’re asking because you know your contribution has outgrown your salary - and you’re ready to put that into words.

Step 1: Gather your receipts (30 minutes)

This is you doing future-you a favour.

Because “I deserve more” is hard to say out loud when you’re nervous. “Here’s what I delivered” is much easier.

Make a tiny highlight reel: 3–5 wins from the last 6–12 months. For each one, use this formula:

What I did → what changed → why it mattered

Examples (use your own words):

• “Improved our process for ___ → cut back-and-forth → saved X hours/week.”
• “Took over X extra projects when we were understaffed → kept timelines on track → prevented delays and stress for the team.”
• “Owned X key stakeholders / accounts → smoother communication → fewer escalations.”
• “Helped reduce churn / improve retention by X% (or from X to Y) → more stable relationships / revenue.”
• “Onboarded/trained X people → cut ramp-up time by X days/weeks → stronger team performance.”

If you don’t have numbers, use specifics instead: “two launches,” “weekly reporting,” “five stakeholders,” “end-to-end ownership.” The goal is not perfect data - it’s a clear story of impact.

Bonus move (2 minutes): build a “Proud Moments” folder.

Screenshots of kind feedback, thank-you messages, wins, results.

Not for your ego (okay, maybe a little bit) - but for the days you forget what you’ve done, and need the evidence to remind you. Think of it as a little proof stash for days your brain tries to rewrite history.

Step 2: Market-check your range (20 minutes)

You’re not hunting for the single perfect number. You’re just making sure you’re not negotiating in the dark.

Pick two quick sources and scan salary ranges for your role and level:

• Glassdoor
• LinkedIn Salary
• Payscale
• Job listings that show pay bands

Then write down two numbers:

• Your ask (slightly ambitious but reasonable)
• Your target (what you’d be happy with)

This gives you steady footing. Because the ask stops feeling like “a random number I made up” and starts feeling like “a range I can stand behind.”

Step 3: Draft your script (10 minutes)

The goal is not perfect wording. The goal is a sentence you can repeat when your brain goes blank.

Use this structure: Impact → scope → ask

Here are a few plug-and-play options:

Option 1: Simple and direct

“I’d like to talk about adjusting my compensation. Over the past [6–12 months], I’ve delivered [win 1] and [win 2], and my scope has grown with [responsibility]. I’d like to discuss moving to [number].”

Option 2: Warm but firm

“I really enjoy the work and I’m proud of the impact I’ve had this year - especially [example]. I’d like my salary to reflect the level I’m operating at, and I’m asking for [number].”

Option 3: If you want it to feel collaborative

“I’d love your support aligning my compensation with my responsibilities. I’ve been taking on [examples], and based on market ranges and my current scope, I’m aiming for [number]. What would the path look like to get there?”

And if you want an email to get the meeting on the calendar:

“Hi [Name], could we set aside time to discuss my role scope and compensation? Over the past [6–12 months] I’ve delivered [2 wins], and my responsibilities have grown through [example]. I’d like to discuss adjusting my salary to [number]. When would be a good time to talk?”

Copy one into your notes. That’s it.

Step 4: Make it real

You’ve got the receipts. You’ve got the number. You’ve got the words. Now you just need a calendar slot.

If you want one simple line to book it:

“Could we carve out 15–20 minutes next week to talk about my role scope and compensation?”

How to handle nerves

• Bring notes. You’re allowed. Seriously.
• Practice once out loud. One run-through changes everything.
• Pause after the ask. Silence is not your enemy. Let them respond.
• If your voice shakes: that’s your body being brave in real time - not a sign you shouldn’t be there.

A gentle nudge before you go

Asking for a raise is a skill, which means it gets easier with practice - not with waiting until you feel “like the kind of person who does this.”

You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to be prepared.

And if all you do in one evening is:

• write down your 3–5 wins,
• market-check your range,
• and save a script you can reuse…

You’ve done the hardest part. Next time it comes up, you won’t be starting from self-doubt. You’ll be starting from facts.

So if that little thought pops up again - “I should probably ask for a raise” - it doesn’t have to turn into a full internal TED Talk. You can just open your notes, take a breath, and remind yourself: “Relax. I’ve got a script for that.”

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