Episode 4: How to ask for a Raise & Hiring a Spiritual Director

Asking for a Raise When It’s Not Raise SeasonThis question was asked by someone who’s taken on extra work after a team member’s departure and wants to request a raise without seeming ungrateful:* Frame It as Contribution: Approach your boss with a solution, not a complaint. “I’ve handled Ken’s tasks for six months—could we nest their roles into my job description permanently?”* Extend Value, Not Demands: Highlight benefits to the company. “This could save hiring costs; I’d like to discuss fair compensation for the added scope.”* Market Test Yourself: Apply for other jobs every 3-5 years to know your worth—use offers to negotiate thoughtfully or switch if better.* Avoid Ultimatums: Don’t say “match this or I’m gone”; try “I’d prefer to stay—how can my growth here align with this offer?”* Build on Trust: Ensure a strong relationship with your manager, as leveraging external offers can risk trust if mishandled.* Increase Earning with Impact: More contribution justifies more pay—don’t ask for a raise without adding value first.Hiring a Spiritual Director for Life TransitionsA reader those curious about my decision to hire a spiritual director and how it differs from a pastor or therapist:* Seek Faith-Focused Guidance: Hire a spiritual director for major transitions (e.g., my move from New York to Pennsylvania) to discern God’s role in my transitions.* Define Your Need: Therapy digs into mental health; spiritual direction deepens faith and purpose—I chose it for a Christ-centered focus over self-focus.* Plan Midlife Intentionally: At 37, nearing half my lifespan, I used a director to shape my 40s-70s purposefully, inspired by Richard Rohr’s work.* Differentiate from Pastors: Pastors equip congregations, not individuals one-on-one long-term—their role as broader than personal direction.* Find the Right Fit: Unlike therapy’s mixed results, spiritual director Tim Pynes offers tailored, ongoing support twice monthly.* Explore for Yourself: If intrigued, research spiritual direction—it’s distinct from therapy’s coping tools or a pastor’s community leadership.This podcast episode was produced by Jeffrey Riggs.Music by Fyodor Zharkov from PixabayMy Spiritual Director is Tim PynesAs always, thanks for listening, and if you have questions you’d like me to address on the podcast - simply reply to this e-mail. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erichoke.substack.com