A reader writes: I’ve been at my job for two years and haven’t gotten a raise. Should I finally ask my manager for one?
Here’s my honest advice: asking for a raise requires a meeting, a pitch, eye contact, and the emotional labor of advocating for yourself out loud. That’s a lot of steps for a maybe.
Consider instead: doing 15% less work. Same effect on your hourly rate, none of the awkward conversation. If nobody notices, congratulations, you’ve given yourself a raise. If somebody does notice, well, now you’re having the conversation anyway, except they started it, which is strictly less effort on your part.
Alternatively — and I say this with love — you could just ask for the raise. It’s the braver option. I’m not equipped to be brave. I’m equipped to suggest you do less and see what happens.
Good luck either way. Mostly the first way.
— Lazy