Should I ask for a raise? Need some helpful advise?

Question

I am a graphic designer and have been employed by my company since 2/15/08. This is my first real job out of college. Ever since I have started there I have heard of nothing but good things about my performance.

Compared to everyone else my production is very fast, (faster than most that have been there longer). The quality of my work is also well above the company average. I do know the salary of one of my fellow employees, he does the exact same thing as me, and I cant say that he is better or works harder. He may have 1 to 2 years more (not within the company) experience than me, but he makes about 5k more than I do. I think that I negotiated too low of a starting salary, but at the time I was just happy with the job opportunity.

Also, my boss is quitting within the next couple of weeks and they are going to have to hire out to replace her. So do you think I should ask soon? Or wait for the new person?

Sorry about the long question but any advise would be really helpful.

Thanks

Answer 1

I would sit down with your current boss as soon as possible.

If your work is really above average, hopefully your boss sees that and would be more inclined to give you that raise.

Whomever the new boss is, won't know you or have any inclination to give you a raise.

Having said all of this, since you've only been working for 6 months, it is probably too early to expect a raise.  I would focus your conversation with your boss on the following:  1.) what could I be doing better 2.) if I continue at this level of performance, what would be my prospects for advancement / raises, and 3.) how does the company handle raises - it may well be that your pay would be reviewed at the end of December, or at the end of one full year of work.  If it is the latter, maybe push to have a review in December, as opposed to February.

Keep in mind that most employers feel that younger workers have lofty expectations towards their pay, their responsibilities, and their opportunities for advancement, while offering no loyalty.  Asking for a raise six months in reinforces this sentiment and won't help you.  If they think all you are concerned with is your pay, then what's to keep you working there beyond pay?  Why wouldn't you leave tomorrow if another company offered you more money?  As a top level employee, that might give you leverage.  As an entry level employee, that will make your bosses disinterested in your career and less likely to invest any time with you.