Negotiate a Raise

• Before you ditch your position and hit the streets in search of a better job, why not try negotiating higher pay for the work you're already doing? Asking for a raise can be anxiety-producing, but you can handle the challenge with confidence by following these steps:
  
  1. Do your homework. Know what the market is paying for comparable positions. If you're in a retail or clerical job, sites like Craigslist.com can give you a good overview; for professional and managerial positions, check job posting boards like Monster.com for salary information.
  
  2. Gather your materials. Make a list of important accomplishments over the past six to 12 months. Have you saved the company money by implementing a new procedure? Have you brought in a big account? Have you worked extra hours without pay, reorganized the stockroom or performed other "above and beyond" tasks? Write them all down, especially those that lie outside your current job description.
  
  3. Practice your request. Prepare your data and target salary information, and practice presenting them to a friendly face. Dry runs will make you more comfortable, and confidence sells.
  
  4. Make an appointment. The worst way to ask for a raise is to spring it on your boss in the midst of a typically crazy workday. Ensure your proposal will meet a positive reception by making an appointment at a time that is convenient for her.
  
  5. Ask. Ask with confidence and with a positive attitude. If you're turned down, ask specifically what you need to do to earn that raise.
  
  

Get More Training

• In some industries, the only way to get a promotion is through additional education. That doesn't mean you have to go back to school; earning a pay raise or reaching the next level of the corporate ladder could be as simple as taking a few online classes or training seminars. Here's how to figure out if additional education is your ticket to a bigger paycheck:
  
  1. Talk with your boss. Ask specifically what training or further education you need to get a promotion or merit increase. Follow up on your conversation in writing. A simple email reiterating your conversation will document the plan.
  
  2. Check in with human resources. Many companies pay all or some of their employees' education expenses for approved courses. Ask your HR or personnel department about your company's tuition reimbursement program.
  
  3. Ask your union. If you belong to a union or employee association, you may be eligible for higher pay after completing certain training or certification levels.
  
  

Switch to a Higher Paying Career

• If you've asked for a raise and pursued further training, and you still haven't reached the pay level you desire, you may need to switch careers. Before you leap blindly into the job market, though, be strategic about your change. According to a July 2009 study by PayScale, a company that studies compensation issues, a career in health care may be your best bet.
  
  Pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, nurses, counselors, lab technicians, physical therapists and physical therapy assistants are all careers that will continue to be in high demand throughout the foreseeable future as the population continues to age and to live longer. Don't be discouraged by years of schooling, though; some positions, such as respiratory therapist, require only an associate's degree and a state license.