Re: Job - asking for a salary rise
Yes , I agree , here in the UK , this is a very risky step. Most companies dont like it that you get an offer and expect the employer to match the salary. In many cases , they will not do it. To discourage the practice.
@parisbynight, because you are very happy with every other factor except salary in your current role, the only real option you have is to either ensure your manager promotes you into a higher role , which will ensure a better salary, or you directly ask for a raise.
I think you did put your message across to the manager but you brought in too much of extra stuff which makes it look like the salary isnt as big an issue as you feeling unchallenged in your job. No matter how much you feel uncomfortable asking for a raise directly, you will have to do it.
Please do keep in mind though, every company knows what the market value is for their talent. The cost of hiring new talent is ok for them coz they know they will get fresh ideas , varied experience etc. But what many of them will not value or refuse to give in to, is the fact that employees start expecting market rates. Only marked A players in a firm get market competitive package. For the rest of them , the companies will always try to save monies by giving a slight raise. That is the reason why most people tend to find a new role rather then asking for a raise again and again.