Get That Remote Raise—Without Making It Awkward

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Asking for a raise when you work remotely can feel weird…

You don’t have those casual office moments to build your case, and done wrong, it can make your boss wonder if you’re already job hunting.

But here’s the thing—if you’re doing great work, you deserve to be paid for it.

The trick is to ask the right way, at the right time, without making anyone nervous.

Here’s how to negotiate a raise like a pro—without setting off alarms.

Timing Is Everything

The best time to ask for a raise? Right after you’ve delivered something awesome. 

Maybe you wrapped up a huge project, took on extra work, or crushed a big goal.

The worst time? When the company is struggling. 

If there have been layoffs, budget cuts, or your boss is visibly stressed, hit pause.

Pro move: Instead of “I need a raise,” frame it as “I’d love to talk about how my role has grown and how we can adjust my compensation to reflect that.”

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Bring Receipts (Not Just Feelings)

Your boss doesn’t care if your rent went up. They care about what you bring to the company.

Before you ask, gather proof:
✅ Metrics: Money you helped save, clients you landed, efficiency you improved.
✅ Major wins: Projects you led, fires you put out, responsibilities you took on.
✅ Market data: How your salary compares to industry standards.

Pro move: Keep a running “brag doc” of everything you accomplish. When raise time comes, you’re ready.

Make It a No-Brainer

A raise is easier to approve when it feels like a win-win.

Instead of “I want more money,” say:
🔹 “I’ve taken on X, Y, and Z. I’d love to chat about adjusting my pay to reflect that.”
🔹 “I’ve saved the company X hours per week—let’s talk about compensation.”

If budgets are tight, suggest a performance-based raise (ex: hit a target, get a bonus) or ask for perks like more PTO or a one-time bonus.

Remember, there is a difference with being entitled and asking for what you truly deserve.

Handle “No” Without Burning Bridges

If the answer is no, don’t get defensive—get details. Ask:

🔹 “What would need to happen for this to be possible?”
🔹 “Can we revisit this in 3-6 months?”
🔹 “Are there other ways to recognize my contributions?” (Bonus? Title bump? Extra flexibility?)

Don’t be discouraged. A no today doesn’t mean no forever. It’s about setting up the next opportunity.

Keep the Door Open (Or Walk Through a New One)

If they can’t or won’t give you a raise, set a timeline to revisit—and if nothing changes, it might be time to explore new options.

Sometimes the best leverage is… another offer.

🚀If they want to keep you, they’ll find a way to make it work.

So, Why Not Give It a Go?

Remote workers who negotiate well aren’t seen as greedy—they’re seen as valuable.

✨ Be prepared. Time it right. Show your worth.
✨ If they say no, set a plan for the future.
✨ And if they refuse to recognize your value? Find someone who will.

Ever negotiated a remote raise? How’d it go? Hit reply and tell us about it!

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Here’s to knowing your worth, getting paid what you deserve, and making remote work work for you. Catch ya in the next one!

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