I asked for a $5,000 raise at my last review and got a promotion instead

My boss said the budget was tight for salary bumps, but offered me a lead role on a new project starting next month. Has anyone else had a raise request turn into a bigger job change?

4 comments

4 Comments

walker.julia14d ago

lilyhayes said it's "more work, same pay," but that's not quite true. A lead role on a new project often comes with more visibility and can set you up for a bigger jump later, even if the money isn't there right now. My cousin took a similar move once, and six months later she used her project results to get a raise that was way more than what she originally asked for. The key is to document everything you accomplish in the lead role so you have proof when you ask for a raise again.

sarahpark2mo ago

Actually see that as a solid move by your boss. A lead role gives you way more leverage for a bigger raise later, once you prove you can handle it. Did they give you a timeline to check back in on salary?

lilyhayes2mo ago

That promotion is a test run to see if you'll do more work for free. Happened to a friend of mine. She took the lead role, did it well for six months, then went back asking for the raise again with proof. They paid up because they knew she'd leave otherwise. Get the new title on your resume, crush the project, but set a hard deadline with your boss to revisit the money talk.

lilyhayes2mo ago

Sounds like the classic "more work, same pay" special lol. Congrats on the title upgrade at least.

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