If You Don’t Ask, You Get Nothing: In the Workplace, Those Who Speak Up Get Ahead

Have you ever wondered why some people always get better pay, more opportunities, and more recognition, while others remain stuck in the same place? Is it because of skills? Luck? Most of the time, the real difference is simple—they dare to ask.

If You Don’t Speak Up, People Assume You’re Fine with the Status Quo

The workplace is not a charity. No one will “kindly” give you a raise, a promotion, or extra resources just because you deserve them. If you don’t fight for yourself, why would anyone fight for you?

It’s just like this:

"If a beggar doesn’t ask, would you still give them money?"

Of course not. You wouldn’t even know they need it. In the same way, if you never express your needs at work, your boss will assume everything is fine.

Speaking Up Takes More Than Just Courage—It’s About Strategy

It’s not just about asking; it’s about knowing how to ask effectively. Here are some key strategies:

✅ 1. Prove Your Value First, Then Talk About Your Needs

❌ Wrong: “I think I deserve a raise.”

✔️ Right: “In the past few months, I successfully completed A, B, and C projects, increasing our results by XX%. I’d like to discuss whether my salary can reflect this contribution.”

👉 Workplaces run on results. If you bring value, you have the leverage to negotiate.

✅ 2. Pick the Right Timing—Avoid “Stormy” Moments

If your company just had layoffs or your boss is overwhelmed, bringing up a raise will likely get shut down immediately. Instead, talk when you’ve recently achieved something big, when the company is growing, or when your boss is in a good mood.

✅ 3. Show That Your Request Benefits Both Sides

❌ Wrong: “My salary is too low, it’s unfair.”

✔️ Right: “I want to invest in this team long-term, so I’d like to discuss how my salary can better reflect my contributions.”

👉 Make it about “growing together,” not just about what you want.

✅ 4. Give Options Instead of Ultimatums

Try saying:

💬 “I’d like to explore the possibility of a raise, or if there are other ways to recognize my efforts?”

This keeps the conversation open and prevents your boss from feeling forced to say no.

✅ 5. Always Have a Plan B—Don’t Go All-In

If a raise isn’t possible, what else can you negotiate? Better projects? Flexible hours? Training opportunities? Having alternatives prevents you from walking away empty-handed.

If You Don’t Ask, You’ll Be Stuck Where You Are

The biggest challenge isn’t bad timing or an unwilling boss—it’s that most people don’t even dare to ask. But if you don’t, nothing will ever change.

So, what do you want? To merely survive in your job, or to grow and evolve?

Will you keep waiting, or will you take action?

💡 Opportunities always go to those who speak up.

묻지 않으면, 그대로 제자리에 머무를 뿐이다.

聞かない限り、その場に留まるだけだ。