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Discussion on: Do I wait until performance review time or bring it up now?

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Isaac Lyman

First of all, if you don't think you're making enough money, you're probably right. It's not selfish or greedy at all for you to ask for a raise, any more than it's selfish or greedy for the company to expect you to get better at your job over time. And one thing you should do immediately is go interview at a couple of other places to get an idea of how much your skills are worth in the local market.

Second, as others have said, do not wait for the review. That gives your employer an easy way out: they can say "we'd love to give you a raise if you could meet the criteria, which are X and Y. Unfortunately you don't meet Y and we only give raises at performance review time, so work on that and we'll talk next year." If you talk to your boss now and make sure you understand the criteria for raises, you've got a couple of months to do great work and document it so you have plenty of proof to show your boss when the performance review comes along, ensuring they don't have a leg to stand on for denying you a raise.

Last, be ready to change jobs. A company that refuses to pay you what you're worth is a hostile environment. How would they feel if you refused to use all the knowledge and skills you've accumulated? Imagine telling your boss, "I really appreciate my salary and you're doing a great job paying me, but unfortunately you don't meet my criteria for working 40 hours a week; also, I can only work at the level of a beginner until I get a raise and more benefits." That probably wouldn't go over well. So be prepared to recognize that the company is exploiting you and jump ship. And don't let unvested stock options stop you--they're probably worthless. (Sorry.)

In a two-way business relationship, like your job, it's up to you to look after your own best interest and not feel bad about it.