Do you think, you are "UNDER PAID" as per your Skills and Potential? 

It is very important to understand the meaning of "UNDER PAID" in mind. Most people think that under paid means they are getting paid less than they feel they are worth.

In reality, however, the market dictates what someone deserves to be paid. Therefore, it is critical to discuss salaries with co-workers and former bosses with this definition of underpayment in mind. If you are being paid less than someone else for the same job in the same industry and location, especially if you have more experience than that person, you're being underpaid.

Once you have done your research and chatted with people in your industry, it's time to talk with your manager about a raise. Though this may be intimidating, if you don't ask, the answer is always no.

How will you figure out that you are underpaid?

One of the most common questions people ask about salaries is how to find out if they're being underpaid. After all, it can be uncomfortable to ask co-workers about their salaries for comparison. Fortunately, there are sources that can tell you what people get paid, on average, for a specific position in your industry, which can vary based on location.

Online resources such can help you determine if you're being underpaid. Be sure to account for both your location and your job title when you're using these websites to figure out if your pay is appropriate.

If you go into a salary negotiation without doing your research, it could hurt your career and chances at getting what you deserve. Go into any salary conversation without knowing the facts, and you run the risk of botching the whole process. 

How will you prove you are being underpaid?

Eventually, if you say you're being underpaid, you're going to have to prove it. To do this, there are a few steps you can follow. First, show the manager what you're currently being paid. Then, show the manager or supervisor as much evidence as possible that other people who work the same job are getting paid more. This might be evidence from salary survey sites, or it might include salaries of people who have the same position at other companies. It might even include salaries of co-workers with the same title at your company.

The truth is that negotiating your salary is a necessity, especially if you are underpaid. Increasing your income now can change the trajectory of your future compensation, which is crucial to maximizing your earning potential throughout your career."

Normally we should ask for a raise after you have just accomplished something big and it's fresh in your boss's mind. Another time is before or during a salary review, not after. Depending on the company, raises only occur once a year, so if you miss that window, you are out of luck.

What if you don't get a raise after proving to company that you are UNDER PAID?

So, you have done your research and know what is your worth, but your manager doesn't want to give you a raise. What should you do?

Most younger workers presume that a 'no' is the end of the conversation, but that's simply not the case. It's often unlikely your boss will give in on the first ask, so think of salary negotiations as an ongoing conversation.

Following up a couple of months later and noting the contributions you have made to the company since the last conversation.

However, if after a couple of conversations, your manager still is not willing to give you an increase, it may be time to start looking for a new gig. If you ask for a raise and receive a 'no,' one option is to stay and continue to be underpaid and overworked. Another option is to leave and search for a new job.