For most Paralegals, raise season comes at different times of the year. You’ve put in all of your billable hours and then some in most cases. You’ve made sure you’ve gone to work early and stayed late, you’ve communicated with your attorney, you  basically feel like you’ve hit all the right points and come time for your one on one review you’re just not satisfied with your raise. What do you do? 

We know getting a disappointing raise as a paralegal can be disheartening, especially if you were expecting more. Although it’s important to remember that a raise is still a raise, and it’s a sign that your employer values your work. A disappointing raise may seem as though you are not appreciated or valued as much as you would like. 

Here are some tips on how to deal with a disappointing raise:

Stay positive and professional: Don’t let your disappointment affect your professionalism. Continue to work hard and show your employer that you’re a valuable asset to the company.

Discuss it with your employer: If you feel comfortable, you can have a discussion with your employer about your raise. Ask for feedback on your performance and what you can do to improve your chances of a higher raise in the future.

Look at the bigger picture: Consider the benefits that come with your job, such as health insurance, vacation time, and other perks. These can add up and make your job more valuable overall.

Explore other opportunities: If you feel that your raise doesn’t reflect your worth, you can start looking for other job opportunities. However, make sure to do so professionally and with the proper notice.

Remember that a disappointing raise doesn’t define your worth as an employee. Stay positive and continue to work hard, and you’ll have more opportunities for growth and advancement in the future.