My Messy Research Phase
Okay, so as a Virgo who overthinks everything, I totally freaked out about asking for a raise this year. I knew I needed more money, 2024 is freakin’ expensive, but actually asking? Felt impossible. First thing I did was dive deep online. Found tons of generic “career advice” blogs. Useless.
Then I remembered that Virgo thing. Organized. Detailed. Practical. Right? So I shifted gears. I started looking specifically for how other Virgos approached salary negotiations. Found a forum thread. That was gold. It clicked: I needed to build my case like it was a damn spreadsheet.
Getting My Evidence Together
My manager isn’t a mind-reader. I realized I had to show him exactly why I deserved more cash. So here’s what I prepped:
- Listed every single project I’d completed this past year, especially the ones where I went beyond my basic job description. Remembered that time I fixed the reporting mess? Yeah, wrote that down.
- Tracked the results. Saved any emails where clients or other departments said “good job.” Found the numbers showing how that new process I suggested saved the team like 10 hours a month.
- Researched my market value. Checked a few salary sites for my job title and experience in this area. Yep, I was definitely underpaid. Wrote down the range I found.
Pulled this all together into one neat document. No fancy words, just straight facts. Took me days. Virgo perfectionism kicking in big time.
Practicing Like Crazy
Knowing what to say is one thing. Saying it without my voice cracking? Another story. I hate confrontation. So I practiced. In the shower. In the car. Out loud, talking to my cat. It felt stupid, seriously. But I needed the words to feel less scary.
I wrote a little script. Not word-for-word, but the main points I absolutely wanted to hit:
- Thank them for the chance to talk.
- Briefly recap my contributions (referencing my evidence list!).
- State clearly: “Based on this and market rates, I’m asking for [Specific Amount or Percentage].”
- Shut up and wait. The waiting part is the worst.
The Actual Ask Meeting
Okay, sweaty palms time. I scheduled a one-on-one with my boss, saying I wanted to discuss my role and compensation. Walked in clutching my little folder of proof like a security blanket.
Took a deep breath. Laid it out. Just like I practiced. Wasn’t super smooth, my voice totally wobbled a bit, but I got the words out. I showed him my list, pointed out the salary data. Then I stopped talking. Silence.
My manager actually looked kinda surprised. Not angry, just… thoughtful. He took my papers. Said he needed to “review this and talk to HR.” Classic manager-speak. My Virgo brain screamed: “That means no!”
The Nerve-Wracking Wait & Result
The next week was torture. Overanalyzed every email he sent me. Did he say “Thanks” differently? Ugh. Then, finally, an invite for another chat.
Walked in. Heart pounding. He started talking about budgets (of course), my solid work (good sign?), and then said… they could offer a raise. Less than my ask, but honestly? Way more than I expected.
Was it the full Virgo-perfect scenario? Nope. But it worked! The key? Prepping like a Virgo detective gave me the tiny bit of courage I needed to open my mouth. And honestly? Having that folder made me feel way less like I was just begging. I felt like I earned it. Learned my lesson: Virgo strengths are made for stuff like this. Gather the facts, organize the hell out of it, then speak up. Scary, but doable.
