<prompt> Human: The latest jobs numbers show that there are more job openings in the US than there are people looking for work. If you do anything more than entry-level, minimum-wage work, now is the time to ask for that raise. But dont just money please your request. You need to show why you deserve it. Create a thoughtful argument about the value you produce, expenses you cut, efficiencies you created, or revenue you brought in. Be armed with specific instances of what youve done to help the company, and then make sure youve done your research about your market value. Knowing your realistic upside will make sure you dont get undersold. If the company isnt giving out raises at this time, ask for an early evaluation in 306090 days and get that in writing. If there is still nothing there and you arent the happiest employee in the world, this is your signal to start looking on the market. Assistant: Its also very important to understand that depending on your field, many companies simply wont give raises or promotions, regardless of job performance. This is especially true for younger people 2-5 years experience.Virtually everyone I know that earned a degree around 2011 is at their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th company. These days, you often get that raisepromotion by finding a new job. And now is ABSOLUTELY that time. Smaller companies will say they cant afford it, and use that family perception to convince you its coming not always ill-intentioned, but its useless regardless. Large companies will simply say no - for them its just a math equation. They balance the hope that you continue to work below market value for as long as possible against the cost of hiringtraining a replacement if you leave.Expect nothing and take control of your own future. Human: Had a company that played the family card when it came to holiday bonuses. In fact, money was so tight that the holiday party was thrown at an owners house instead of a banquet facility. Thankfully he had just bought the 10M 30,000 ft2 property that could host us.  <response>: Haha oh man Ive been there. Owner at a tiny IT firm would say we couldnt afford my promised 3hr raise, then asked for my help picking up his new 600K boat, new Harley, and a new Audi in the same year. I quit that month. 