The exact script

Welcome to Career Insider. What separates millionaires from everyone else? Is it the income? Maybe. Is it the spending habits? That’s part of it.

It’s also where you live. Your cost of living impacts your ability to save and invest, and your investments impact your wealth—big time.

Consider this: Manhattan, New York, boasts the highest number of millionaires, with over 340,000 of them! Yet, it’s also one of the most expensive cities in the nation, followed closely by Honolulu, Hawaii, and San Jose, California.

Salaries in New York City are much higher than elsewhere, but they also need to be much higher, or nobody could afford to live there.

Here’s the key: If you can live in a high-cost-of-living city to earn a high salary but keep your costs down by living in a modest house and controlling your expenses, you’ve got it made in the shade.

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MONEY
The exact script to get more money at work

Asking for more money can be nerve-racking. If you’re unsure what to say, here’s a script to help you start. Take this as inspiration, change the details to fit your situation, and get that raise!

In this scenario, your boss’s name is Suzanne, and you’re asking her for a raise due to your consistent achievements at work.

Hi Suzanne, I would like to chat for a minute about my compensation. I've been working here for two years now, and I really enjoy my job. Since I started, I've taken on more responsibilities and learned a lot. My skills and contributions have grown, and I believe it's time to review my pay.

I've looked into the market rates for my position and found that people with similar experience and skills earn more than I am currently. I think a 10% raise would better reflect my value to the company. I’ve already worked 30 overtime hours this year, and my performance reviews are consistently stellar. I also helped secure a new customer for the company and was crucial in the negotiations.

I wanted to bring this to your attention because I'm committed to my role here and want to continue growing with the company. A salary adjustment would motivate me to do my best and show that my hard work is recognized and appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to listen. I'm open to discussing this further and finding a solution for both of us. I value my job here and am excited about our future projects. I hope we can agree on a salary that reflects my dedication and contributions.

A few notes to point out:

• You waited two full years before asking for more money; you don’t need to wait this long but don’t ask too early after being hired

• You didn’t just hit up your boss with this request blind. Instead, you scheduled a meeting with her beforehand

• You mentioned a 10% raise, which gives your boss the hard numbers they need. You didn’t just say “more money”

• You cited specific accomplishments, like working 30 overtime hours, positive performance reviews, and customer acquisition

MONEY
Why your EQ probably matters more than your IQ

How you work with others and control your emotions matters more than your problem-solving ability. Your EQ > your IQ.

Don’t just take our word for it. Source after source confirms that your emotional intelligence is what matters most. Books help prove this, too.

But why?

Because everything is emotional. From the way we deal with problems to delaying gratification to our instant, split-second judgments throughout life, our emotions govern so damn much - not just our brains.

Our EQ is what helps us recognize problems in our lives. It’s why some of us are more empathetic than others. It’s what separates bosses we love from bosses we don’t.

Imagine you're at work, and a colleague seems upset during a meeting. Instead of ignoring or dismissing their feelings, someone with high EQ would approach them after the meeting to check in, offering a listening ear and support. This would help the colleague feel valued and understood and strengthen the relationship and trust between team members.

On the flip side, if you're having a stressful day and feeling overwhelmed, EQ would enable you to recognize these emotions in yourself and take proactive steps to manage them. You might take a short break, practice deep breathing, or talk to a trusted friend or mentor. By acknowledging and addressing your emotions rather than suppressing or denying them, you're better equipped to handle challenges and make thoughtful decisions in your day-to-day life, in and out of the office.

Here’s a great resource from Harvard to help you improve your EQ.

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