Disappointing salary review? Take these 3 strong actions now
You dedicate 250 days a year on average to your job. The last thing you should do is accept your frustration with a disappointing salary review and carry on as usual. Here are our tips.
What to do after a disappointing salary review
Have you had a disappointing salary review and feel unhappy with the outcome? In some life situations, acceptance may be the best option – but not when it comes to dissatisfaction at work. You spend too much time working to be unhappy with your results. Here are three actions you can take if you’re feeling discontent after a salary notice that left more to wish for.
1. Tear up the game plan – a disappointing salary review means it’s time to rethink your strategy
This time, you didn’t get what you wanted, so let’s rethink your approach. Whatever your goals are, being both proactive and thinking long-term are key elements of success.
Firstly, start by defining your vision of success, reflecting on what it means to you: is it a promotion or a salary increase? Better opportunities for personal development, or improved work-life balance? Be specific about what you want to achieve in the big picture, and consider how your current role fits into it.
Then, with this as your foundation, you can create a concrete action plan to reach your goals. Identify the steps you need to take, and set a timeline with milestones along the way to stay motivated. What changes you need to see in your career to reach them? Do your goals fit within your current organization or should you explore new opportunities?
When you’ve mapped out your new strategy, all you need to do is follow the plan.
2. Take control – regain power with a new salary discussion
Instead of passively accepting your disappointing salary review, take control and be open with your manager about your dissatisfaction. Request a follow-up meeting and prepare carefully by gathering 3–4 examples that showcase your contributions and the value you’ve delivered to the company up to the present time.
Show that you know your worth and are ready to stand up for your case—after all, it’s your right to receive the reward and recognition you deserve for your work. Have a constructive discussion about your salary expectations and how you see your future within the organization—sometimes an open dialogue can lead to a mutually beneficial outcome.
3. See your disappointing salary review as a wake-up call – time to be proactive
A disappointing salary review is a wake-up call: be proactive in your career. In time, it’s likely you will want to change jobs – but it takes time to find the right next step. Even if you’re not fully ready to switch jobs now, networking and exploring the job market is a valuable step toward regaining a sense of confidence and progress.
Start by mapping out your preferences. What’s most important to you in a potential new workplace? What boxes does a new employer need to tick for you to feel motivated and achieve your goals? When you know your non-negotiables, you can start networking with both peers and professionals, as well as recruiters in your industry. As a result, you can find new opportunities that match your criteria.
This proactive mindset is undeniably beneficial. When you take control, you give yourself the chance to get the most out of your career. You’re far more likely to find the right place for you, where your potential can really thrive. Being flexible and open to change will undoubtedly lead to rewarding career developments that support your personal and professional growth.
Change your perspective – a temporary pause that pushes you forward
When you have a disappointing salary review that doesn’t meet your expectations, it’s easy to feel down and lose motivation. But it’s important to remember that every setback is just a temporary pause on the road to success. See this as a new opportunity and a valuable learning experience that helps you grow. All things considered, you can now become more proactive, and build resilience for the future.
Want help along the way?
At Worko, we match your preferences and timing with companies in your industry and find opportunities that align with what you’re looking for—at a time that suits you. Together, we’ll take a proactive step forward.
Want more career tips, inspiration, and insights in your industry? Read more on our blog!
