Ain’t no shame in a woman’s pay rise game

When Rhianna oh-so eloquently proclaimed to the world ‘Bitch better have my money”, she had us all cuing Spotify, and miming the lyrics under our breath on the way to work.

However, for us mere mortals, who may throw down a mean freestyle game in the car, on the train, bus, ferry – or even on foot while on route to le office, the reality of asking for a pay rise can prove a tad different to that encore at our (imaginary) sold out concert.

Why are men deemed ambitious and women money hungry?

I’ve been called money hungry, money obsessed, and even bullied out of a job for politely declining a ‘promotion’ with a lot more work, supposed prestige and professional advancement – yet alas, no pay rise attached! I’ve uttered and stuttered my way through pay rise meetings with direct reports, managing directors and everyone in between.

Yet when I’ve discussed the seemingly taboo subject of getting paid what you’re worth (yes, this actually happens ladies) with my peers, it’s my experience that men seem to have a blind confidence not only in their worthiness of a pay rise, but also in their probability of attaining it.

Now, let’s get one thing clear, I’m definitely not saying that all men are confident pay rise petitioners, while all women are meek money-makers. I do however; believe there is a gender pay gap, and I don’t know about you, but homie don’t play dat!

The more we openly discuss the real issues women face in the workplace, the better equipped we’ll be at unleashing our inner Rhianna when the time arises. With this in mind, here are few learning’s I’ve gleamed from my years of successfully (and not so successfully) negotiating my salary package.

Take the emotion out of it

Yes you work super duper hard, yes you’re the most fantabulous _________ (insert job title here) the world has ever seen...

But when it comes to seeing an extra zero on your pay slip, facts speak louder and much more effectively than emotion. Evidence as to why you’re deserving of a pay rise may include the following.

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Have you taken on significantly more responsibility since you started?

Additional direct report(s)
Extra weekly/monthly deliverables
Areas that you go impressively above and beyond your job description.

NOTE: If you can’t answer yes to any of these points (or similar), it could be an idea to look at how you can expand your duties, and subsequently your value to the company, prior to introducing them to Rhianna’s finest.

Is the industry median salary for your role substantially higher?

Do your research so that you’re prepared with facts, should this point strike a chord (I ain’t referencing backing vocals).

Have at least three to five current examples of similar roles within comparable companies, going for your desired salary package in your arsenal.

Has the company achieved continuous ‘wins’ since you came on board?

Although these will vary dependant on your industry, these thought starters might help get you off and running (hopefully all the way to bank!).

More clients or higher client retention
Increased sales/readership/customers
Higher productivity/improved quality of work across your department.

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Be prepared for objections

If an employer can catch a ‘first class’ employee at ‘economy’ rates, it may come as a shock that keeping such quality may indeed require a seat upgrade. If you’re not braced for potentially comical, or even passive aggressive responses, you may get caught off guard.

Here are some phenomenal one-liners I’ve personally encountered while attempting to be paid my worth. Some of which I’m bummed to say, thwarted my moula mission, and saw me back down prematurely.

“I never would have offered you the job had I known you were going to ask for this much money.” Silent response: What. The. Fu$%.

“There’s just no budget.” Silent response: Now, I’m no accountant, but I’ve heard the phrase ‘billings have tripled’ thrown around here like wildfire.

“You’re very money hungry, aren’t you?” Silent response: My apologies. Allow me to grab my detachable penis so I appear ambitious.

Alternate salary package perks

Jokes aside, if more money simply isn’t on the table, maximise your situation to propel you toward bigger and better opportunities. It all boils down to what you value, and girl, you’re worth it!

Subsidised study: time to get Masters anyone?
Travel allowance: Opal Cards, petrol/parking all add up.
Flexible working hours/working from home: time is money.
Mentorship/development programs: don’t just work, work on yourself.