<prompt> Human: Once a year youre eligible for a raise at my company, only after the end of the year. Once a year, you also get a bonus, again only at the end of the year. On the first two years bonuses were several thousand dollars but last year, the company cut these and it was only about 800.00 despite us doing better than ever before. The dilemma Im faced with is Im about to have a end of the year meeting where Ill be given a bonus. That being said, I feel like getting a bonus in the only meeting where I can ask for a raise is an attempt to keep me from asking for the raise, because they can somply say well, we did just give you a bonus. How can I go about this? Ive not had a raise in almost two years. I dont want to imply Im leaving, but I do feel like this is my career, and I should be making more for what I do. How much more should I ask for? How do I ask professionally?  <response>: You should be as educated as possible about average worth for your type of work with your experience and contributionsvalue to your employer. Make sure you have a listexamples of reasons you deserve higher wage.Bonuses are great, but they are just that, bonuses. 