🔥 Salary Stagnation vs. Rising Expenses: Is It Time to Ask for a Raise?

on

 Your living expenses keep going up, but your salary hasn’t budged in years. Here’s how to find out if you're underpaid—and how to confidently ask for a raise.

📈 The Painful Reality: Your Expenses vs. Your Salary in 2025

In 2025, rising living costs in Malaysia and across the globe have become painfully clear. Groceries, petrol, rent, childcare—everything is significantly more expensive than it was even two years ago. Meanwhile, many workers are facing stagnant salaries.

This gap is squeezing the budgets of millions, especially the B40 and M40 income groups. If your salary hasn’t increased recently, you're not alone—but it might be time to do something about it.

So, the big question is:

"Am I being paid enough—and if not, how do I ask for more?"

Let’s dive into how to figure out your worth and negotiate confidently.

⚠️ Are You Underpaid? Here's How to Check Your Market Worth

Before asking your boss for a raise, you need clarity about your true market value. Here’s how to calculate it:

✅ Step 1: Research Salaries Online

Check platforms that list real salaries in your field, such as:

  • Glassdoor (Malaysian market data)

  • JobStreet Salary Report

  • LinkedIn Salary Insights

  • Payscale Malaysia

Example:
If you're a software engineer in KL with 5 years' experience, the current average salary ranges from RM6,500 to RM9,000 monthly. If you're earning below this, you likely have room to negotiate.

✅ Step 2: Talk to Industry Peers

Networking with colleagues or mentors can give insights that online tools can't. Ask casually:

"What’s the typical salary range for someone with my experience in our industry?"

✅ Step 3: Factor in Inflation & Cost of Living

Malaysia’s inflation rate is above 4% in 2025. If your salary hasn't increased in line with this, you're effectively earning less each year.

🤝 When’s the Right Time to Ask for a Raise?

Timing matters when negotiating your salary. Consider these ideal scenarios:

  • Annual Performance Reviews: A natural moment to discuss your value.

  • After Successful Projects: Capitalize on momentum when your work is fresh and valued.

  • Market Changes: Rising demand for your skills is an ideal leverage point.

  • Company Growth: After strong quarterly results or positive company developments.

📌 Example:

"Since joining, I've successfully completed major projects, helping increase revenue by 15%. Given these achievements and current market salary data, I’d appreciate discussing compensation adjustments."

💬 How to Negotiate Your Salary Effectively (A Step-by-Step Approach)

Here's a clear roadmap for negotiating your pay increase:

Step 1: Prepare a Salary Proposal

Write a brief document summarizing:

  • Your recent achievements.

  • Current market salary ranges.

  • Proposed salary increase percentage (typically 10-20%).

Example:

"Based on my market research, industry standards, and contributions to our latest project, I believe an 18% salary adjustment is fair."

Step 2: Schedule a Formal Meeting

Request a dedicated time slot to ensure seriousness:

"Can we schedule a 30-minute meeting to discuss my compensation and career growth?"

Step 3: Communicate Clearly & Confidently

In your meeting:

  • State your request politely and confidently.

  • Refer to your accomplishments.

  • Show market evidence to back your request.

Example Conversation Starter:

"Over the past year, my responsibilities have increased significantly. Considering my performance and current market rates, I'm proposing a salary increase to RM8,500."

Step 4: Be Ready to Negotiate

If the company counters your offer, be flexible but firm. Have a minimum acceptable figure in mind.

📚 Real-Life Examples of Successful Salary Negotiations

Here’s how two real Malaysians successfully negotiated raises in 2025:

🧑‍💻 Amir, IT Analyst (Kuala Lumpur)

  • Original Salary: RM6,500/month

  • Proposed: RM7,800/month (+20%)

  • Outcome: RM7,500/month (+15%)

  • Strategy: Demonstrated completion of complex IT projects, showed market data from JobStreet.

👩‍💼 Mei Ling, Marketing Executive (Penang)

  • Original Salary: RM4,800/month

  • Proposed: RM5,500/month (+15%)

  • Outcome: RM5,400/month (+12.5%)

  • Strategy: Highlighted increased responsibilities in digital marketing and referenced Glassdoor averages.

💡 What if Your Employer Says No?

Not every negotiation will end positively. If your company says no:

  • Politely ask when your salary can be reviewed again.

  • Request non-salary perks like flexible hours, allowances, or training opportunities.

  • Consider exploring other job offers if you believe you're significantly undervalued.

Remember, your worth isn't determined by one negotiation.

🎯 Final Thoughts: You Deserve Fair Pay—Don’t Wait Too Long

Salary stagnation while expenses climb isn’t sustainable. Understanding your market value and confidently negotiating your worth is no longer optional—it's essential.

You deserve fair compensation for your skills, contributions, and the rising cost of living. And you won’t get it unless you ask.

📢 Found this useful? Share it!

Know someone who deserves better pay but is unsure how to ask? Share this article and help them negotiate confidently.

#SalaryNegotiation #PayRaise #KnowYourWorth #CareerAdvice #MalaysiaJobs #MarketValue #Inflation2025 #CostOfLiving #FairPay

Comments

Post a Comment