Why a pay raise isn’t the answer

‘What if they offered you a pay raise? Would you reconsider your decision then?’

I believe that this is a common question that many have faced. To answer this question, it is essential to understand the root of the problem — why do you want to leave?

More often than not, it is not because of money, but a plethora of other factors. It could be due to an unhealthy company culture, or poor leadership without a clear vision and goal. Worse still, jerk-ish leaders who create a working environment that’s stifling and draining.

Since this is so, adding a few hundreds to your paycheck will do nothing to alleviate your problems. The company culture continues to affect you, and your piling workload continues to accumulate. In fact, your boss would be as obnoxious as ever, if not worse.

“When solving problems, dig at the roots instead of just hacking at the leaves.”
Anthony J. D’Angelo

You need to realise that the root of the problem is something money can’t solve.

Let’s say, you accept the raise. The only thing that’s changed is the few hundreds to your paycheck. Sure, your unhappiness and lethargy will fizzle off, but it’ll return in a while. Oh yes, it will.

Why is this so?

When we work, we do not work just for money. That’s why it is common to see high-flying lawyers and bankers leave their careers to become actors, chefs, and even social entrepreneurs.

People work at different places to achieve different goals in life. Some workers crave the opportunity to expand one’s network, while others desire acquiring specific skills and valuable experience. Alternatively, some prefer work-life balance, or even a good social cause.

When you realise that your life goals are misaligned with your role in the company, that’s when you should go. So, ask yourself this: “What do I want to accomplish now?”

If you don’t truthfully ask yourself that, you’ll just be a few hundred dollars richer, but a whole lot more miserable for the foreseeable future.

Finally, if the company offers you money for you to stay, it is clear the company, the management, the mentors are not suitable for you. They clearly do not understand you, your goals, and your priorities.

Therefore, it’s definitely not a conducive environment to achieve anything, not to mention developing yourself.

One more thing..

If the company suddenly offers you an increment of $X just because you intend to leave, please do yourself a favour and leave.

Here are some questions for you:

1. Do you think your role is worth more than your current salary?
2. If yes, then why are you not being paid that amount?
3. Where did the company magically find $X to pay you?
4. If it didn’t appear because of any mystical reasons, where was this $X sitting around all along?
5. This time round, what exactly changed, such that you’re able to get the $X raise?

I think the following truths are rather clear:

1. The company knows your role is important.
2. The company knows you’re worth more than what you’re paid.
3. The company does not see the need to pay you more.
4. The company is paying you more, only because you intend to leave.
5. The company is taking your contributions for granted.

Do you then think that this is a place that can nurture you into a better person? Do you then think that there is a future where you’ve progressed in your career as the company grows?

So..

Going back to the first question I mentioned (‘Why do you want to leave?’), if you can come up with even one answer that has nothing to do with salary, pay raise is definitely not the answer.

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