Hang on a minute! You can actually ask for a pay rise? So many accountants, lawyers and consultants in practice think they can’t ask for a pay rise, but sometimes it’s a conversation you need to have. Given that so many firms have put in place pay freezes, pay cuts and recruitment freezes, there is the risk that many people’s pay in the professions will not go up again when the economic difficulties ease off. (Admit it, you are worried about this happening too!)
But the problem is, so many of us don’t know how to actually go about asking for a pay rise.
I’m Heather Townsend, author of Poised for Partnership and co-author of How to Make Partner & Still Have a Life. I’m the leading global expert in what it takes to move from senior fee earner to partner – and when you get there, stay there. Here are 5 ways to work with me.
What actually happens when asking for a pay rise?
Often one of two things happens. Firstly, we bottle it and don’t make the ask. And then get resentful that we are being underpaid versus our peers. Or we do make the ask. Then, because we don’t know what to say when asking for a pay rise, we bungle it. Sometimes that bungle is a career-limiting move. Made even more galling knowing that you used to get paid more to do the same job! Or worst still, knowing that someone else got a pay rise just by threatening to leave. Surely your firm should be looking to reward your loyalty, rather than do a knee-jerk reaction to someone threatening to leave?
I’m Heather Townsend, author of Poised for Partnership and co-author of How to Make Partner & Still Have a Life. I’m the leading global expert in what it takes to move from senior fee earner to partner – and when you get there, stay there. Here are 5 ways to work with me.
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