So this is my first time writing a story about my job. Initially I was like nahhhhh, let me not! But the reality is, work is a big part of my life. I spend majority of my day and week in the office. I created this blog to talk about adulting and part of being an adult is having a job.
But, let me make this very clear: I appreciate having a J-O-B. So many times we get caught up on having the “perfect” job or a job with a high salary, but I remember when I didn’t have a job at all… and was praying for one. Hard! So again, I’m thankful for my job... but I still got a story about it, so here we go.
First things first, a few facts about me:
If I’m out with a group of friends and I want our picture taken, I don’t mind asking a random stranger to do so.
If I didn’t receive the best customer service I’m asking to speak with the manager (if you read Hi, Can I Speak With the Manager, Please? you already know what I be on).
And lastly, if I feel I’ve been inconvenienced in the slightest bit I’m asking for something off the bill. It’s a must.
Now why do I do all that? It’s simple: Closed mouths don’t get fed. Meaning if you don’t ask for what you want, you probably won’t get it.
But this confident, assertive, young, professional was the same person who did not speak up and ask for a raise from my job. Yeah, shocked me too! Cause I have a legit history of standing up for myself and what I deserve. But before I go into detail about how I played myself, here’s a little backstory:
Based on my current job description, you only need one degree to have my position. I have two.
At my company, you need to be in your role for at least a year before you are considered for a raise. I’ve been there almost 2.
I’m actually really confident when it comes to my marketing abilities. From being able to use design softwares in the Adobe Suite, to understanding the numbers and trends in Google Analytics to preparing digital SEO strategies from scratch. I can honestly say I’m an asset to the team.
And lastly, like I always say, I may not be the smartest in the world but I can figure some shit out, on my kids! (No kids yet, just a phrase).
So I’ll ask again, how did someone who has exceeded the degree requirement, can execute the job duties with little to no micromanagement and has the confidence to present new ideas to a team that looks nothing like her not get a raise?
Because closed mouths don’t get fucking fed.
And I never said anything.
When I was first offered my job I was so happy to get hired! I never did a salary negotiation and took exactly what they offered. I was just so excited to leave my first out-of-school job I didn’t think about the logistics or anything.
And to be honest, this is common. Lots of people don’t like having these kinds of conversations... They can be uncomfortable and no one wants to come off as ungrateful. So like myself, we take what’s been offered and get to work.
But now I’m here, almost 2 years in the game and not only have I not gotten a raise, I’ve been given a new boss who has a whole new way of doing things…
Looking back, I feel pretty dumb for not speaking up. When I hit year one (eight months) ago I should’ve asked for a raise. I should have been confident enough to say “hey, I know we started me off at this… but what do I need to do to get to this?” But instead I just assumed the conversation would be brought to me. I assumed my work would speak for itself. I assumed and made a complete ass out of myself.
Granted, I’m not like broke as hell. I can still afford to get my brazlian waxes and I have enough cash to go out on the weekends (barely). But knowing that I could be making more money if I had just said something months ago still stings.
But okay, fast forward to about two weeks ago when I went to an event hosted by my fabulous Soror Alero Michelle. She’s the CEO and founder of The Maven Girl Project and asked me to speak on personal finance. It was awesome! Not only was this my first speaking engagement as @Jalyssa_DoubleU but I was able to encourage other women of color to save and budget accordingly (and you already know I mentioned the Monthly Budget Worksheet and Money Saving Challenge). Plus, they poured into me too. So much that by the end of the event I felt empowered enough to finally ask for a raise.
The time had finally come! And since I’m being real, let’s be really real:
I’m a woman
I’m a BLACK woman
And I work in corporate America
These people aren't keeping track with the black girl who does marketing, they're worried about million dollar deals. In other words, they ain’t thinking about me. So it was either say something or don't say something…
So I finally decided to stop being the word that rhymes with wussy and start the conversation.
Sidenote, did I mention I was nervous AF?! I’m typing this very confidently but in my head I was “OMG, how am I gonna bring this up? I don't want them to think I’m begging or being picky.”
But just like I’m bold enough to ask Xfinity for something off the bill or bold enough to ask a random to take my pic, I needed to be bold and ask for a raise, especially since I’m actually putting in hella work.
So first thing I did? Research. I used sites like Glassdoor.com and Salary.com to see the average amount being made for my position along with location, years of experience, etc.
Then I got to the numbers. I found this really simple pay raise calculator to help me see how much more money I was requesting and what that percentage looked like.
Then it was time to talk to the higher-ups… *dramatic sigh*
And to my surprise, it went well. I ended up calling HR like a week ago and told her the percentage increase I was thinking of. She let me know it was perfect timing for this conversation and that my expectations were very realistic.
I’m thinking like, cool! Boutta go buy me a Fendi belt right now! (I really want a Fendi belt, btw. They cute AF). Then she hit me with something that made me go womp womp…
She let me know that raises are only given by your immediate supervisor.
*deep sigh*
I don't know if I said this already, but my first year at my company I had a different boss. She was very chill and showed me what it looks like to be a boss and a woman in corporate America. When she broke the news that she wouldn't be my boss anymore I was crushed... The change happened quick and I never spoke up and asked for a raise before the switch happened *slaps forehead*
But that’s neither here nor there, I was still on my confidence-kick and scheduled a meeting with my new boss soon after. I let him know that I “wanted my compensation to match my credentials.” Yup! Little scary me, told my boss just that. Cause it’s true! I ain’t expecting a million dollars but can ya girl at least get what my credentials reflect? Plus I just couldn't keep biting my tongue, something had to be said...
And it was somewhat refreshing to say the least. I was told I had 2 months until review time and that we’d start the process once closer.
Granted I wanted a raise THAT day, but I at least got the conversation going...
And now I can use these next 2 months to my advantage and really show my boss like AYE, I am Jalyssa T. Woodall. Ya know, the girl with 2 degrees, 3 years of experience and presentation skills like a mf? The girl who knows she’s an asset and has the numbers to back it up.
Now again, I would have LOVED to get a raise that same day... but I been budgeting for over a year straight, two extra months won’t hurt or kill me.
In conclusion, I’m so happy I finally said something.
Now granted, I know there’s a possibility I still wont get a raise, because my boss made it very clear its a “rigorous process” *rolls eyes* BUT I’m up for the challenge. And mama ain’t raise no hoe! So ima at least try.
Plus at that point I’ll have 2 years on my resume from this job, so whether I stay with the company or not that looks good regardless.
Therefore I ask you to please keep me in your prayers as I embark on this “get a raise” journey! I need every affirmation, IG quote and pat on the back to keep me going. If I come off a little distant or out the loops it’s because ya girl is chasing that bag, LITERALLY.
But in all seriousness, please take it from me and speak up for yourself. Be confident when talking about compensation and know that if you don’t say something the conversation may never come up. And remember, closed mouths DON'T get fed.
Here are the resources I used to figure out how much of a raise I wanted. Check em out if you’re on this journey too!