Haven't had a raise since 2007

[seashells]

Who's with me?

Now to be totally fair, in 2007 I got a BIG raise. (ETA: to be clear, the raise was not to a big salary, but it was a big jump from the exploitation salary I was making for 4 years, to a decent salary).

And technically I got a raise in 2008 because my benefits were increased, though my salary stayed the same.

2009 the economy crashed and I wasn't about to ask for a raise when people were being let go.

Now I've passed my anniversary date for 2010, and I'm still afraid to ask for a raise.

The reason this sticks in my head is just that my boss would not be thinking about a raise if I didn't bring it up. So it's not like he's really aware that I haven't gotten one and appreciating that I'm just waiting for things to get better. Seriously, I guarantee you he hasn't given it a single thought.

And yet, I just can't justify even mentioning it right now.

Just a vent I guess.

I shouldn't complain, since all bills get paid and I'm not losing any sleep over it. But at the same time I'm not making anywhere near a kiilling here. We have hardly any savings despite being quite frugal.

[Geofizz]

Sounds like you need to ask for a raise since no one is volunteering it.

Did you know that one of the factors playing into the fact that men make more than women is that women are less likely to ask for a raise? Women are more likely to figure "at least I can pay my bills" or "I know the economy is bad..."

http://www.womenearning.com/resource...s/get-a-raise/

I'll hold your hand if you hold mine. I'm asking Monday morning.

[seashells]

Oh, I know that's a factor in women making less.

And yet I just can't picture asking for a raise when I'm not sure about the future of the company.

Blah.

[Alyantavid]

I got a cost of living raise a few months ago, but hadn't had since 2008. I work for a very small company and while I know my boss was pushing to give us raises, it just wasn't possible.

I'd hate to ask for one since I know our company is doing ok, but not great. But you know, we need money too. It's really hard.

[seashells]

Sorry Geofizz, I forgot to wish you the best luck for Monday.

I think I'm going to hang tight for a while longer. Things might be looking up for the company but we won't know yet for a bit. It's a very very small company. I think that if I wait for the right time and point out that I haven't had a raise in a long time they might make it up to me, if the company is doing well.

[tappinerp]

Well, I work for the state, and to my knowledge, no one has gotten a COL increase. I think you can ask, as a supervisor, I wouldn't mind if one of my employees asked me about it- Just don't be too surprised if the answer is "not now"...

[34me]

I work for a small City (62,000) and Dh works for one of the largest food manufacturers in the country and neither one of us got raises this year. Mine is tied to sales tax revenue that have taken a hit and dh's company is being very cautious.

[jdg]

I work for the state and there's been an across-the-board pay freeze since 2007. I did get a promotion last year, and that came with a salary bump, but it was just the "standard" differential between the two positions, no extra and no COL.

[nola79]

Sadly, that's all too common these days. I know of one big hospital exec in this area who actually held a meeting to tell people they were lucky to have a job in this economy, and to inform them there would be no raises for awhile. The company I worked for before I had dd (for 6 years) only gave me a raise once. (not counting my promotion)
If I were you, I'd definitely ask. It can't hurt and the worst outcome is them saying no.

[weliveintheforest]

I don't think it would hurt to at least bring it up. Your boss might say no, but you will have at least brought it to their attention.

[slsurface]

Originally Posted by jdg

I work for the state and there's been an across-the-board pay freeze since 2007. I did get a promotion last year, and that came with a salary bump, but it was just the "standard" differential between the two positions, no extra and no COL.

My DH works for the state and has the same issue. Pay freeze since 2007 and no COL increase either. At the same time our portion of the healthcare deducted fro his income has doubled, so DH's income is actually much LESS now than it was in 2006!

As for me, I completed my PhD in 2009. But I have not had full time employment since 2008. I lost my job in the beginning of 2009 due to the grant that funded my position being yanked. I've worked PT teaching adjunct ever since - so my income is not at all stable. In fact, as of May 15th I will be unemployed again and not eligible for unemployment benefits.

[Skippy918]

Count me in. I asked about raises during my annual review and apparently there's still a freeze on that and promotions. It sucks cause I brought home more money 3 years ago than I will this year.

[alicia622]

Nothing here either. I work for a non-profit and so the most we ever get are COL increases but not last year and I highly doubt we will get one this year either. With all the cuts that find the work I do, I am actually happy to have a job and don't worry too much about not getting an increase. It would be nice, but it's not about to happen.

The last place I worked, I asked for a raise and while I didn't get a raise per se, I did get a bonus due to the extra work I was doing. That wouldn't have happened if I hadn't asked for the raise in the first place. There is no harm in asking at all

[justKate]

Originally Posted by jdg

I work for the state and there's been an across-the-board pay freeze since 2007. I did get a promotion last year, and that came with a salary bump, but it was just the "standard" differential between the two positions, no extra and no COL.

I worked for the state and took a 5% pay cut in '09. Then moved to a new state and got a new state job making 15% less than the previous one.