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Regardless of how great your job is, there’s always going to be the question of whether or not you’re being paid what you’re worth. And while it can be tough to determine what the ideal salary actually is, most people can agree that they wouldn’t mind making a little more money.
The big question then becomes: how long should you wait for a raise before you start to look for new opportunities?
The answer, of course, depends on a number of factors. If you’re relatively early in your career, you may be more willing to wait a bit longer for a raise than someone who is further along. And if you’re in a field with a lot of job openings, you may have more leverage to demand a higher salary. But as a general rule of thumb, most experts agree that you shouldn’t go more than two years without a raise.
If you’ve been at your job for that long and haven’t seen any increase in your salary, it may be time to start looking elsewhere. This article will explore the question “how long should you work without a raise” in a more detailed way.
How Often Should You Get a Raise At Work?
A study by payscale suggested that the average American worker receives a raise after every 18- 24 months on the job.
Of course, this varies based on individual circumstances such as position and years of experience. For instance, those in management positions tend to receive raises more frequently than entry-level employees.
There are also other factors that determine how often one receives a raise:
- The company’s finances: If the company is doing well, they may be more likely to give out raises. No employer wants to lose good employees, so they may be more inclined to keep them happy with a raise, especially if the company can afford it.
- Your job performance: Obviously, if you’re doing a great job, you’re more likely to receive a raise than someone who is not meeting expectations. Your employer will want to reward you for your good work and keep you around.
- The cost of living: Depending on where you live, the cost of rent, food, and other necessities may increase faster than your salary. Statistics show that the cost of living has been outpacing wage growth in recent years, so it’s important to keep that in mind. You may need to ask for a raise more frequently just to keep up with the cost of living.
- The market rate for your position: This is especially relevant for those in highly competitive industries. If the going rate for your position is $10,000 more than what you’re currently making, it may be time to engage your boss for a raise.
It’s important to note that there is no hard and fast rule of how long you should wait until you ask for a raise. In the end, it is up to you to decide what is best for your career and financial situation. If you feel like you are not being paid what you are worth, don’t be afraid to ask for a raise.
Is It Normal Not To Get A Raise In 2 Years?
This question is a little more difficult to answer, as “normal” can be subjective.
Technically two years is the timeframe most experts agree upon as to how long you should wait for a raise. But this answer largely depends on the employer and employee’s individual circumstances.
For instance, is the company doing well financially? If so, they may be more likely to give out raises. A recent study showed that 70% of employers are more comfortable giving raises when the company is doing well. However, if the company is struggling, raises may be few and far between regardless of how long you have been with the company.
So depending on the situation, not receiving a raise in 2 years may be seen as “normal.” But if you feel like you are being underpaid, don’t be afraid to ask for a raise. The worst your employer can say is no.
How Long Is Too Long To Wait For A Raise?
On average most employees will quit their jobs after three years if they don’t receive a pay raise. Additionally, a recent Glassdoor survey found roughly 45% of workers who leave their jobs list salary increments as the main reason.
But how long is too long to wait for a raise? According to a new study from Accessperks, the answer is one to two years. The study found that 38% of employees quit their job if they don’t receive a raise within that time frame. It also agreed that waiting any longer than three years for a raise is “unacceptable.”
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. For instance, if you love your job and have a good relationship with your boss, it may be worth sticking it out a little longer in hopes of a raise. But if you’re not happy with your current situation, it may be time to move on.
How Long Should You Work Without A Raise?
As stated above, one to two years is generally the maximum amount of time you should work without a raise. Most employers are willing to give their employees a raise if they have been with the company for more than two years and are performing well.
However, if the company is offering other benefits like long holidays, reasonable working hours, and flexible job roles, you may be able to overlook the lack of a salary increment. Glassdoor’s research found that 68% of workers would accept a lower salary if it meant they had more job satisfaction. So, if you’re happy with your current situation, you may not need a raise to feel fulfilled at work.
With that said, If you’ve been hoping for a raise for several years and don’t see any prospects of one coming anytime soon, it may be time to move on. No one wants to feel like they’re being taken advantage of, and if you’re not getting what you deserve, you should start considering other options.
The bottom line is that you shouldn’t stay at a job just because you’re afraid of change. Sometimes, change can be good, and it may be just what you need to boost your career.
What To Do If You Haven’t Had A Raise In A Long Time?
Asking for a raise is no easy task. One problem that most employees face when asking for a salary increment is determining the best way to broach the subject with their boss. Others even go at it without enough evidence to back up their request.
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t despair. Here are a few tips on how to get a raise even if you haven’t had one in a long time:
Start the conversation with your boss
This is probably the most important thing you can do. If you don’t talk to your boss about wanting a raise, they won’t know that you’re unhappy with your current salary. So, set up a meeting with your boss and explain why you think you deserve a raise. Be sure to back up your request with evidence of your good work.
Do your research
Before asking for a raise, find out how much other people in your position are making. This will give you a good idea of what you should be earning. You can use sites like Salary.com or Payscale.com to find out this information. Additionally, you can also ask around the company and find out what your colleagues are making.
Know your worth
Knowing your worth means being aware of the skills and experience you bring to the table. If you can demonstrate that you’re worth more than what you’re currently being paid, you’re more likely to get a raise based on your merit.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
Don’t be afraid to take charge when it comes to your salary. If your boss doesn’t give you the raise you want, try to negotiate for other benefits like more vacation days or a flexible work schedule.
Be prepared for rejection
Even if you do everything right, there’s a chance you’ll still be rejected. If this happens, don’t get discouraged. Just remember that it’s not personal and that you can use the experience to improve your negotiating skills.
Check out: What to Do When You Don’t Get a Raise [5 Actions To Take]
Be prepared to walk away
If nothing is forthcoming after doing all the above, it might be time to look for another job. After all, you deserve to be paid what you’re worth, and if your current employer can’t give you that, then you should move on. We understand that no one likes leaving their current job, but sometimes it’s necessary to do what’s best for your career.
Have You Stayed Too Long Without a Raise?
Getting a raise is never easy, but it’s important to remember that you deserve to be paid what you’re worth. If you feel your boss is not valuing your skills and experience, then it might be time to have a discussion about your salary. If this doesn’t lead to the raise you want, then don’t be afraid to look for another job.
Generally, you should work for 2 years before asking for a raise. Anything more than 3 years is deemed acceptable. You should. however, take charge and initiate the conversation with your employer. Let them know that you’d like a raise and highlight reasons to back up your claim. Chances are that if you’ve been a critical part of your team and the company is doing well, you’ll get that raise.
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