<h1>Few things in life turn out exactly as expected, and our careers are no exception.&nbsp;</h1><h2>But one thing you can decide for yourself is to work where your value is truly appreciated—both in recognition and financially. Asking for a raise may be daunting, but it's an essential step in ensuring you’re compensated fairly for your contributions.</h2><h3>With the right preparation, having a salary conversation with your boss doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it seems. Years down the line, you won’t want to look back on your career and regret not speaking up when it mattered most.</h3><hr><p><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms-staging/asian_female_student_wearing_glasses_is_researchin_2021_08_26_17_53_54_utc_1_scaled_78d5908df6.jpg" alt="asian-female-student-wearing-glasses-is-researchin-2021-08-26-17-53-54-utc-1-scaled.jpg"></p><h2><strong>If you've never broached the subject with your manager, take the initiative to do so this year. Keep these in mind as you prepare for the tough talk.&nbsp;</strong></h2><p>If you’ve never broached the <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-answer-salary-expectations?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=it's_2025:_here's_to_getting_paid_what_you're_worth&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>subject of a raise</strong></a> with your manager, it’s time to normalize the conversation. Asking for a raise is simply checking in with your employer to ensure <a href="https://medium.com/@petite2queen/know-your-worth-how-to-value-yourself-in-job-market-8ea8819d1f65" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>your compensation reflects your value.</strong></a> Most managers have been through this process themselves and understand its importance.</p><p>The question is,</p><h2><strong>When should you step up and address the elephant in the room?</strong></h2><h3>You’re Considering Other Opportunities</h3><p>If you’ve received an offer from another company with better pay but enjoy your current role, salary could be a key deciding factor. This is the perfect time to have an honest conversation with your manager about matching the offer.</p><h3>Annual Review Discussions</h3><p>Your annual performance review is an ideal time to discuss a raise. Since this meeting focuses on your achievements and contributions, use the opportunity to demonstrate why you deserve a salary adjustment.</p><h3>Increased Responsibilities</h3><p>Have you taken on more responsibilities due to structural changes or employee resignations? If your job scope has expanded but your salary hasn’t, document your achievements and contributions to support your case when requesting a raise.</p><hr><h3>Preparing for Salary Negotiations</h3><p>Before the conversation, <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/understanding-salary-negotiations-in-malaysia?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=it's_2025:_here's_to_getting_paid_what_you're_worth&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>list your key accomplishments and how they’ve contributed</strong></a> to the company. Use measurable results wherever possible, such as revenue growth, process improvements, or successful project completions.</p><p>Pro Tip: Gain a deeper understanding of your professional worth by taking <strong>Hiredly’s </strong><a href="https://hiredly.typeform.com/to/K4idZTDK?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=it's_2025:_here's_to_getting_paid_what_you're_worth&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Work Personality Test</strong></a>. It helps you identify strengths that can be leveraged during salary discussions.</p><p><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms-staging/checking_e_mails_2021_08_27_09_3_scaled_2cbb373677.jpg" alt="checking-e-mails-2021-08-27-09-3-scaled.jpg"></p><h2><strong>What alternatives would you accept if a raise is out of the question at this time?</strong></h2><p>If your manager cannot approve a raise immediately, don’t see it as a dead end. Instead, consider negotiating for other forms of compensation, such as:</p><ul><li>Performance bonuses</li><li>Allowances (e.g., transport or housing)</li><li>Extra vacation days</li><li>Healthcare benefits</li><li>Professional development opportunities</li></ul><p>It’s also helpful to request a follow-up meeting in a couple of months to revisit your request. This keeps the conversation open and signals your commitment to staying proactive.</p><hr><h3>Don’t let fear hold you back. Being proactive and confident in advocating for your worth is a vital skill in today’s job market. If you’re ready to explore workplaces where your contributions are valued, join<strong> </strong>Hiredly’s<strong> </strong><a href="https://hub.hiredly.com/young-leaders-community?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=it's_2025:_here's_to_getting_paid_what_you're_worth&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Young Leaders Community</strong></a> to network and learn from like-minded professionals.</h3><hr><p><img src="https://assets.hiredly.com/cms-staging/smiling_asian_student_sitting_at_scaled_37a3b50bbe.jpg" alt="smiling-asian-student-sitting-at-scaled.jpg"></p><h2><strong>Instead of waiting in quiet anticipation, try being a little more proactive, lay the groundwork, and take that step with confidence! It's a big world out there and you've got nothing to lose. Just remember that.</strong></h2><p>===</p><h3>For evergreen salary advice no matter where you are in your career, check out these blog posts on Hiredly:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/why-employers-hide-salary-on-job-ads?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=it's_2025:_here's_to_getting_paid_what_you're_worth&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>The Truth About Why Some Employers Don't Include Salary On Job Ads</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/understanding-salary-negotiations-in-malaysia?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=it's_2025:_here's_to_getting_paid_what_you're_worth&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Salary Negotiation In Malaysia: How To Get The Salary You Deserve</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-answer-salary-expectations?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=it's_2025:_here's_to_getting_paid_what_you're_worth&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>How To Answer: "What Are Your Salary Expectations?"</strong></a></li></ul><hr><h3>Take the first step toward a fulfilling career—whether by negotiating for a raise or finding opportunities that align with your ambitions. Visit <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=it's_2025:_here's_to_getting_paid_what_you're_worth&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Hiredly</strong></a> to kickstart your journey today!</h3>

Do you wish you were being fairly compensated at work? Speak now, or forever hold your peace!