Comments by "" (@BasementEngineer) on "A Life After Layoff" channel.

  1. Read a few of the replies below. If you are dissatisfied with your salary only, and everything else is acceptable, it is worthwhile to negotiate a salary raise with your current employer. A word of caution here. Do not waltz into your manager's office and threaten to leave his employ unless he grants you an X% salary increase. The odds are excellent that he will tell not to let the door hit you on your way out. Or, if he is a really sharp guy, can give you umpteen reasons why he cannot afford to give you a raise at this time. Note that the right time for a raise never occurs! Good managers are numbers people; consequently you need to express your assertion for a raise in hard numbers. NEVER make any "or else" statements! I'm sure you have heard the expression that in any organization, 20% of the people do 80% of the work. Consequently, to make an effective case for your salary raise, make absolutely sure that you are one of that 20% group. Then take the time and make the effort to substantiate your 20% position, and your superior value to the organization, in hard and unassailable numbers. Run your arguments and numbers by a trusted friend or relative, to check for reasonableness, soundness of argument, mistakes, etc. Have them play "devil's advocate" so that you may review any adverse commentary ahead of time and plan your counter argument accordingly. And only if that plan failed would I advocate looking for greener pastures and turning down any counter offer. If, of course, you dislike your boss, work, environment, political scene, management, etc. by all means look for those greener pastures and turn down any counter offer. As some have written below, they accepted a counter offer and were happy for the rest of their days. I am truly happy for them. But I would bet dollars to donuts that many, MANY, were not happy about staying with their old employer. There are usually a number of reasons that compel an individual to seek new employment. Salary alone is not that often the only reason. Be honest with yourself and make a pro and con listing of all the reasons why you should go or stay. Only then decide to take action and look for greener fields.
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