“Your salary isn’t just a number. It’s the price tag your company puts on your peace, your time, and your energy. So let’s talk about raising it.”
Listen, I know that pit in your stomach when you think about asking for more money. You’re sitting there calculating if your current salary can even cover rent, your student loan payment, and that therapy copay. You feel awkward, maybe even a little greedy.
But sis, that feeling is a scam. Asking for a raise is a business conversation, not a favor. And you are 100% allowed to have it.
Why Asking for a Raise Feels Like a Panic Attack
We’re taught to be grateful for the opportunity. To not rock the boat. Meanwhile, Tim from marketing who can barely work the printer is probably making 15% more. It’s infuriating.
You worry they’ll say no. You worry they’ll think you’re ungrateful. You worry it’ll make things weird. Girl, I’ve been there. But here’s the secret: managers expect this conversation. The awkwardness is almost entirely in our own heads.
💡 Quick Tip
Schedule the talk for a Tuesday or Wednesday morning. Mondays are chaotic, and by Thursday they’re already checked out for the weekend. You want their full attention.
What Actually Works
You can’t just walk in and say you need more money because life is expensive. You need a strategy. This is your playbook.
First, know your number. Research the market rate for your role in your city on sites like Glassdoor or Levels.fyi. Don’t guess. Then, track your wins. That project you led? The positive client email? The system you streamlined? Put it in a doc. This is your evidence.
Women who don’t negotiate their first salary lose over $1.5M in lifetime earnings.
Let that sink in. This isn’t just about this one check. It’s about every future raise, bonus, and 401k match that builds on this base salary.
When you have the talk, frame it around value. “I’ve taken on X responsibilities and achieved Y results, which has added Z value to the team. Based on the market rate for this impact, I believe a salary adjustment to [Your Number] is appropriate.” Practice this in the mirror. Say it to your cat. Own it.
💼 What Works: This negotiation book – It breaks down the exact scripts to use, which is a lifesaver when your brain goes blank from nerves.
The Truth Nobody Tells You
The first thing they say will probably be “no” or “let me see what I can do.” That’s not the end. That’s the start of the negotiation. Be ready for it.
If they say there’s no budget for a salary increase right now, you pivot. “I understand budget constraints. Could we then discuss a performance bonus in 3 months based on these metrics? Or an additional week of PTO? Or a title change that reflects my contributions?” Have alternatives ready.
“Silence is your superpower after you state your number. Do not speak first. Let the manager fill the silence. It’s uncomfortable, but it works.”
This is the kind of stuff women talk about inside TechMae every single day. No judgment, just real ones keeping it real.
Related: This post is a must-read for women on their journey to building their own financial safety net.
Start Here
Your homework for tonight? Open a Google Doc. Title it “My Wins & My Worth.” Start listing everything you’ve accomplished in the last 6-12 months. Big and small. This is your foundation.
Why This Works:
✅ It shifts your mindset from “asking for a favor” to “stating your case.”
✅ It gives you concrete evidence to fight off imposter syndrome when you’re in the room.
✅ It makes you look prepared and professional, which automatically boosts your confidence.
You might also love this article – one of our most shared for getting your thoughts together under pressure.
This Is Your Sign to Stop Doing It Alone
Women inside TechMae have been exactly where you are. We share exact scripts, salary data, and hype you up before you hit ‘send’ on that meeting request. Come find your people.
