Should I ask for a raise?
Asked by Sara
I am a receptionist making $50k per year. For three months I am going to be stepping into an executive assistant position while a woman is out on maternity leave. I will be taking on a substantial amount of additional responsibilities during this time yet no talk of increased salary has been brought up and I do not think it is part of management's plan. I am torn as whether or not to bring it up because I already make an unusually high salary for what I do and receive great perks and benefits. I do not want to come off as unappreciative or selfish. Do I deserve more since I will be doing more work that ordinarily pays higher or do I sit tight and appreciate what I already have. Factors: I am great at my job. Very reliable. A fantastic employee. I will be covering for her for mid-November through mid-February. Bonuses are given in January - maybe I will see the money there? Maybe not...

Best Answer:
Well you deserve more if you were exactly as you described... but i think you should wait, maybe they will give you a raise without you asking for it.. and you don't to be appearing in the situation were you go and ask them for more... but you can prove through your new position that you deserve it

They are paying you $50k for what you do right now because that is what they think you do is worth. If they want to give you more responsibility, they need to pay you for it.
Answered by Mandy

I wouldnt push your luck. With this economy you should be appriciative of the salary your getting now. Just do a good job, and when your review for the year comes around, im sure they will remember you taking on a higher position for someone else and give you a nice increase.
Answered by Lissy

Wow! You ARE paid unusually high for a receptionist! In my area they are paid minimum wage or a little above that. I do think this is a good question to ask yourself though. But I wouldn't ask for a raise at this point. You are already (in my opinion) overpaid for a receptionist and it's only a temporary assignment. Maybe you should think of it as more of a "special project" instead of a different job. If it ends up being a permanent position then I would absolutely ask for an increase. But, by waiting it out you have another great reason for them to give you an increase at your next evaluation period.
Answered by Worry Wart

I would wait and see how it plays out and if it comes up then talk about it. You have a great job and jobs are hard to come by now days I wouldn't pus any buttons unless you really had to. Later down the road if you feel like you need to ask for more money then ask but right now NO WAY I would be happy just the way things are. what would you do if you walk in the and ask for more money and he said no and then said your fired. what would you do? I would wait.
Answered by JUST ME