Most of us don’t know how much money our coworkers make. But what happens when you do stumble upon this sort of information — and discover that a peer makes more money than you? Your first impulse might be to storm into your boss’s office and demand a raise, but it’s important to remain calm and consider the situation from your manager’s perspective. Perhaps your colleague has more seniority, more experience, or better qualifications. Think about your own performance and contributions, and research the salary range for positions equivalent to yours. When you do talk to your boss, say something like, “It has come to my attention that others make much more for doing the same job. I’ve been working hard and I love working here. What can I do to improve my chances of getting a significant raise at my next review?” If a big raise isn’t likely, ask for a one-time performance bonus or extra vacation time. If all else fails, it may be time to look for a new job.
Adapted from "When You Find Out a Coworker Makes More Money than You Do," by Rebecca Knight
