DEAR HARRIETTE: I was recently given a promotion at my job. I was excited about that until I learned that it’s a bit complicated. I was up for this promotion for more than a year, and I have been super patient and basically just waiting. My boss had promised it to me a while back. But now that I got it, I learned that I can’t get my raise until some indefinite time down the line. Because of the economic situation we are in, they are unwilling to give more money even though they do expect more work. We aren’t in a union, so I don’t feel like I have much leverage here. Should I go along in hopes that when things get better I’ll get a raise, or should I demand my increase now? -- Time for a Raise
TIME FOR A RAISE: We are living through unprecedented times in which the economy is turned upside down and everyone is trying to figure out how to survive. Within this context, patience and faith are key. Do your best at your new job despite the pay freeze. Trust that in time, as the economy improves, you will get your due. Your boss probably can’t put a timeline on this as nobody knows how or when the economy will improve. With that in mind, work hard and believe that your paycheck will come.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)