3 Mistakes That Will Keep You From Getting a Raise

Do you hate money? Maybe you live by the words of the Notorious B.I.G.: “Mo Money Mo Problems.” Maybe you’re tired of being able to buy food and clothes. Maybe your purse is already too heavy, and you don’t like carrying cash around. Whatever your reason is for wanting less money, I’m going to show you three easy ways to make sure you never get a raise.

Stick to your job description.

Do exactly your job, but not an inch more. Above and beyond? No thanks. Go the extra mile? Sounds exhausting. Never volunteer for extra projects. Don’t come early or stay late. Don’t offer help to coworkers. Make the minimum required the maximum you’ll do.

Isolate yourself.

Unfortunately, we don’t yet have the technology to manufacture Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak. If we did, you could wear one at work to make sure you never stand out. Instead, you’ll have to take the old fashioned approach of hiding in your cubicle. Get a huge pair of “don’t bother me” headphones and keep to yourself. Don’t speak up in meetings. Don’t go to lunch with coworkers. Do everything you can to avoid networking. Make sure nobody really knows who you are or what you do.

Don’t ask for a raise.

In offices across the world, employees are initiating the raise conversation. They’re approaching their managers with research and data to back up their requests. They’re not content to simply hope that someday a magical raise fairy will leave some extra money under their laptops — they hustle. But not you. You’ll never use the R-word with your boss. Your manager can’t give you something you didn’t ask for.

If you follow all three steps above, you’ll never get a raise. You’ll continue to make the exact same amount of money, year after year. But what if you want to make more money next year? What if you want to see your career progress? You may think it sounds insane, but I know some people who think that way. Know what they do?

They work harder than other people.

They stand out and focus on building relationships.

And this last one is wild: They actually ask for a raise. Can you imagine?

Jon Acuff is the New York Times bestselling author of five books, including his latest, Do Over: Make Today the First Day of Your New Career. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @JonAcuff and read more at Acuff.me.