Tension: When Not to Negotiate a Pay Rise with Your Boss
Asking for a salary increase is a crucial step in career growth, but timing matters just as much as your performance. In Nigeria’s workplace culture, where employers often prioritize business stability over individual salary demands, requesting a pay rise at the wrong time can backfire faster than Jollof rice at a wedding. If you want your request to be taken seriously, knowing when not to negotiate a salary increase is just as important as knowing when to push for one.
1. During a Financial Downturn in the Company
If your company is going through financial struggles, it is not the best time to request a raise. Nigerian businesses, like any others, experience periods of economic hardship, and employers may be cutting costs to stay afloat. Approaching your boss for a pay rise when the company is downsizing, reducing expenses, or delaying staff salaries is like asking your broke uncle for Christmas money – it’s just not going to happen.
What to Do Instead:
If the company is struggling, focus on proving your value and ensuring your role remains secure. When the situation improves, you will be in a better position to negotiate.
2. When You Have Recently Made a Major Mistake
Every employee makes mistakes, but if you have recently been responsible for a costly error or a failed project, it’s not the time to ask for a raise. Your boss is likely still assessing the damage and may not be in the right frame of mind to consider increasing your salary. Imagine mistakenly transferring N1 million instead of N10,000, then walking into your boss’s office with a big grin asking for a raise. My dear, that’s how unemployment starts.
What to Do Instead:
Work on rebuilding trust and demonstrating your competence. Show that you’ve learned from the mistake and can add even more value to the company.
3. When Your Performance Has Been Below Expectation
If your recent performance reviews have not been favorable, negotiating a salary increase could weaken your position. Thi often reward results rather than effort, so if you haven't been meeting targets, your boss will likely dismiss your request. Think of it this way – you can’t score own goals in a football match and then demand Man of the Match.
What to Do Instead:
Work on improving your performance and achieving tangible results. When you have strong accomplishments to showcase, your request will be taken more seriously.
4. Right After Accepting a New Job or Promotion
Negotiating a salary increase too soon after accepting a job or promotion can make you seem ungrateful or overly ambitious. Employers expect you to prove yourself before demanding higher pay. If you accepted an offer, it signals that you were satisfied with the terms. Asking for a raise immediately is like going for your first date and asking for bride price negotiations – it’s just too soon!
What to Do Instead:
Give yourself time to excel in your new role. After six months to a year of outstanding performance, you will have a stronger case for a salary review.
5. When the Company Recently Gave You a Raise
If you have already received a raise within the past year, requesting another one too soon might be seen as unreasonable. Most Nigerian employers operate on a structured salary review cycle, and frequent demands can create a negative impression. It’s like eating pounded yam and asking for extra meat when you’re still chewing the first one.
What to Do Instead:
Wait for the next salary review period or demonstrate exceptional performance that justifies another increase outside the usual cycle.
6. When Your Boss Is in a Bad Mood
Timing is everything. If your boss is stressed, overwhelmed, or dealing with company crises, bringing up salary negotiations can lead to a quick rejection. Nigerian workplaces can be high-pressure environments, and approaching a boss at the wrong moment can hurt your chances. If your boss looks like they just got off a 5-hour Lagos traffic jam, that is not the time to ask for a raise.
What to Do Instead:
Wait for a better time when your boss is in a receptive mood. Look for moments when the company is doing well and your boss is more approachable.
Conclusion
Negotiating a pay rise requires careful timing and a solid strategy. Avoid requesting an increase when the company is struggling, after making mistakes, or when you haven't demonstrated strong performance. Instead, focus on proving your value, waiting for the right moment, and ensuring your request aligns with the company’s financial and strategic position. A well-timed negotiation can make all the difference in securing a better salary – and ensuring you’re not the office clown asking for money wey no dey.