SoFi Blog

Working for years without a pay increase can become a struggle and cause stress, especially as the cost of living continues to rise. Whether you’ve been making the same salary for 12 months or for more than a decade, having the money conversation with your boss can be awkward. But when increases don’t come when needed, your only recourse is to ask for them.

Before you have the conversation, though, it’s not only important to arm yourself with all of the right things to say, but also to learn what not to say. Here are a few tips on language to avoid when asking for a raise.

You filled out a job application, went through a few rounds of interviews, and you’re this close to securing the new job. But there’s just one hurdle left—the dreaded salary conversation.

I get it: Talking about money is uncomfortable. You might be worried they’ll pass if you go too high, or you’ll regret it if you go too low. But how do you know when you’ve hit that sweet spot and are asking for just the right amount?

Success in life is rarely about taking the easy road. Often, you have to step outside of your comfort zone, both personally and professionally, to achieve your dreams. True breakthroughs come by taking risks: asking your boss for a raise or promotion, or confronting dissatisfaction with a significant other.

I thought of a dozen clever ways to kick off this blog post, but instead I think I’ll just cut to the chase: You’re probably underpaid.

When New York’s Cravath, Swaine & Moore announced plans to increase first-year associate lawyer salaries from $160,000 to $180,000 annually beginning on July 1, it ended a near decade-long drought during which the cost of living in New York City and student loan debt skyrocketed.