How To Ask For A Pay Raise Without Just Saying ‘Everything Is Expensive’ | WeirdKaya

Your rent, petrol, tolls and lunch budget all want a bigger share of your salary. Meanwhile, your payslip seems perfectly comfortable staying the same.

You’ve probably thought about asking for a raise. But how do you bring it up without awkwardly laughing and saying, “Boss, everything is expensive now”?

Rising expenses are a valid concern. However, recruitment firm Hays advises backing your request with specific achievements and evidence of your contribution.

Here’s how to prepare for that conversation, even if talking about money makes you nervous.

1. Bring the receipts. Your work receipts.

For illustration purposes only.

Before asking for more money, put together a short list of what you’ve achieved since your last salary review.

Jobstreet Malaysia recommends highlighting contributions such as improved sales, cost savings, smoother processes and positive client feedback.

Think about what changed because of your work:

Did you make a weekly task faster?

Are you now managing projects independently?

Have you taken on responsibilities beyond your original role?

Did you help train new team members?

For example, if you created a reporting template that reduced a weekly task from three hours to one, explain that improvement.

Use numbers where you can verify them. Otherwise, bring project records, feedback or clear examples.

Your boss may know you’re busy. Make it easier for them to see what you’ve delivered.

2. Find out what similar roles actually pay

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Your friend earning more than you might trigger the conversation in your head. But you’ll need a broader comparison for the meeting.

Hays recommends checking advertised salaries for comparable roles to help establish your market value.

When looking at Malaysian job listings, compare responsibilities, experience, industry and location. A job with the same title could involve a very different workload or level of seniority.

Check whether the advertised amount is basic salary or includes commission and allowances, too.

Save a few relevant examples. You should be able to explain how they compare with the work you currently do.

3. Decide what you’re asking for

For illustration purposes only.

“Anything also can” might feel polite, but it doesn’t communicate your expectations.

Jobstreet Malaysia recommends a clear figure or range supported by your responsibilities, results and market research. There isn’t one raise percentage that suits everyone.

For illustration, a move from RM3,000 to RM3,300 is an additional RM300 in monthly basic salary, or a 10% increase. That’s a calculation, not a recommended benchmark.

Once you’ve researched a suitable amount, you could say:

Based on my current responsibilities, recent results and comparable roles I’ve researched, I’d like to discuss adjusting my monthly basic salary to RM[X].”

4. Give the conversation a proper slot

A casual “Boss, when increment?” in the pantry may get a laugh. A scheduled meeting gives your request room for a proper discussion.

According to Hays , it helps to understand your company’s budget and performance review cycles. Raising the topic before salary decisions are finalised gives your manager time to consider it.

You can start with a simple message:

“Hi [Name], could we arrange a meeting to discuss my responsibilities and salary? I’d like to share my recent results and review how my role has developed.”

You don’t need to squeeze your entire case into that first message.

5. Practise what you want to say

If you’re worried about freezing halfway through, rehearse beforehand.

Jobstreet Malaysia suggests practising the conversation and preparing for questions or counteroffers.

Here’s a sample opening you can adapt:

Since my last review, I’ve taken on [responsibility] and achieved [result]. My role also now includes [additional task]. I’d like to discuss whether my salary reflects this scope and consider a basic salary of RM[X].”

Keep your notes nearby. You’re having a conversation, not auditioning for a corporate TED Talk.

6. If the answer is “not now”, get a clearer next step

Hearing “we’ll see” can leave you wondering whether to follow up next month or next year.

Jobstreet Malaysia recommends asking what needs to happen, how success will be measured and when the request can be reviewed again.

You could ask:

Could you help me understand what’s preventing an adjustment? What would need to change, and can we agree on a date to revisit this?”

If an immediate raise isn’t possible, Hays suggests discussing options such as additional leave, flexible working arrangements or training support.

Consider whether those options meet your needs. Training can help your career, but it won’t cover this month’s rent.

After the meeting, send a brief email recording the discussion and agreed next steps. Hays also recommends this written follow-up to avoid misunderstandings.

Preparation won’t guarantee a yes, but it can help you make your request clearly and understand where you stand.

Start by writing down three contributions you’re proud of. When the conversation happens, you’ll have more to say than “everything is expensive”.

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