There always comes a time in our jobs when we have to ask for something–like a raise or flexible work hours–and it isn't necessarily easy. When I got my first job straight out of college, I was so happy to get the opportunity to work as a journalist that I pretty much accepted the first salary I was offered and agreed to work late on a regular basis without getting any overtime. I loved my job so much that I didn't realize I deserved better. It took some years of experience under my belt to realize that asking for a raise or a promotion is just a normal part of being in the workforce.
This doesn't mean that some of these situations are no longer uncomfortable, but hopefully some of these tips help you handle them better.
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How to ask for a raise
Most of us have a hard time asking for a raise even when we know we deserve it. The best thing to do is to be as straightforward as possible and a make sure you explain in clear terms why you actually deserve a raise. Use your own accomplishments instead of comparing yourself to your co-workers and NEVER EVER say you need more money to buy a house or to pay for your kid's college.
How to get a day to work from home
Some of us have a long commute to get to work every morning, getting to work from home just one day a week would make a tremendous difference. Luckily, the internet has made this a lot easier, but how do you for it? Start by writing a formal proposal detailing exactly how you plan to make this work, so that it doesn't look like it's something casual. You can also propose a trial period to see how it works out and go from there. Remember that you won't know if this is a possibility unless you ask.
How to announce you're pregnant
The most important thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn't wait until you're showing to make the announcement. Having said that, make sure you know your rights and your company's policy regarding pregnancies and maternity leave. Be as professional as possible in your announcement, don't share unnecessary information and emphasize your desire to come back to work (if that's the case) after the baby is born.
How to negotiate normal working hours
This should be negotiated before you accept a job. If your company expects its employees to work extra hours on a regular basis and you're not willing to do this, it is better for you to discuss this before you starting working because afterwards it may be harder. Explain that you are willing to work overtime from time to time, but that you're sure you can complete your work during normal working hours and then follow through.
How to ask for a promotion
This may be one of the toughest things to ask for when there isn't a position available that you'd like to apply for within your company, but it's still doable. First of all, do your homework, which means you need to be clear in terms of your accomplishments and how they've helped your company and you need to explain with concrete examples why you're ready for a promotion. Also, make sure the timing is right and that you know what you want in terms of money.
