Yes, it’s entirely possible to negotiate more time off if this year’s raise doesn’t meet your expectations.

This is what we suggest to make it most probable that you’ll get what you want:

(a) Prepare a memo, listing the very valuable things you do for your boss, your department, your company, that are special, unusual, unique to you, ‘beyond the usual call of duty.’ You must establish and maintain a tone of respect and loyalty; you must avoid creating any sense of bitterness, or threat. This memo is intended to help you collect your thoughts, and to convey them to your boss (or whoever is going to make the decision about your raise) to show how valuable you are to his, or her, success.

(b) Second, mention that the lower raises of past years have made it difficult for you to make ends meet, and how distracting it is for you; you might, too, consider mentioning that you may need to take on a part-time job. The idea is this, ‘If I get a raise of 8% (or at least 7%) I can do a better job for you.’

(c) Third, place into the memo that, to make up for poor (2%-3%) raises in the past, you would hope to get an 8% raise this year, no less than 7%. Put into the memo that, if this is not possible, an acceptable alternative would be a raise of 6% plus more time off, so that you might cut costs of childcare, housekeeping, even possibly take on some part-time work. The additional time off might be in the form of Fridays in the summer, more vacation time, or every Friday afternoon off.

Make sure to mention that you are happy with your job, and want to be more valuable to your boss, but that you could do your job that much better, with less distraction, and greater focus, if either (1) the raise you need, or (2) extra time off, were granted to you.

The key is this: Bosses reward those who (a) they view as valuable, and (b) don’t want to lose. You should never threaten to quit, unless you are truly ready to do so, but perception of value to your boss (personally) is what motivates these decisions in your favor.

By the way, check out my Newsletter Library on Raises and Promotions, especially my Newsletter entitled, ‘Bonus or Raise Disappointing? Consider these Alternative Forms of Compensation.’ It’s right on point.

Best of luck. Please let me know how it goes. If you find this helpful, please tell a friend.

Best,
Al Sklover

If they wont offer me anymore than 4% – Is it then possible to negotiate vacation time? I wouldn’t mind more time off over the summer to spend with my kids.

Julia