[HelloREGmyoldfriend]

This situation has me a little bit torn. I found out this week that I passed the last section of the test, so now there are just a few hoops between here and making it official (I have the needed experience in my state). So normally, I would consider it a no-brainer to ask for a raise considering the jump in market value that a certification like this brings. The difficulty, though, is that I have about two years in at this employer (first job out of college) and will probably look to move on soon. It’s mostly a career move in that I don’t really want to stay in banking long-term, but it’s also a matter of some things at the bank that have actually contributed to pretty high turnover in general in the past year or so.

So what do you think? Should I ask for the raise given the possibility that I’ll be gone in a few months and look like a jerk? I wouldn’t bother asking for one except for the possibility that the right job won’t come along and I’ll be underpaid long-term. I’m not expecting my employer to voluntarily bump my salary without my asking for it, and possibly not even then. I really appreciate any thoughts.

FAR - 76 (1/12)
AUD - 76 (5/12)
BEC - 82 (11/12)
REG - 59, 73, 73, 78! (4/12, 8/12, 10/12, 2/13)

Wiley test bank on everything, Roger USB+book on REG after first attempt.

Licensed CPA in Utah

[FlipACoin]

HelloReg…It's perfectly legitimate to ask for the raise based upon status quo because you really don't know what's going to happen in the future. Also, to your point you have no idea how long it will take you to find a job it would suck to be underpaid any longer than you have to be.

Another perk, making more money now will allow more leverage for salary negotiations when the time does come. A lot of things come into play when they decide in what part of the salary range you belong, but one of the most influential is your existing salary. I say you ask for a raise like you plan to spend the next ten years there. When the time comes for you to move on, if you present your resignation in a humble light, thank them for everything etc. you should be able to get out of there without burning any bridges. Good luck.

[Author]

Replies