[war1025]

I was in a very similar situation at the end of last year. Young kids and a work life balance that couldn't be beat. Had a couple expenses pop up that aggravated my irritation at being underpaid to the point that I looked for a different job. Calculated out how much I thought I'd need to offset the work-life balance bit, and went out and got an offer for that amount. Actually accepted the offer but my employer said they'd match that offer, which was a much better outcome for me given the work-life balance part. I figure if it doesn't end up working out, the worst case scenario is I'll feel comfortable asking a higher salary next time I am on the job hunt. For now I'm living in the best of both worlds.

[lelima]

Thanks for Sharing your story, now my question is, how to ask for a raise?

-just, I want a raise will do?

[war1025]

I basically said, "Hey, I got this offer that is 50% more than what you're paying me, and I plan to take it." At that point I won whichever way things went down.