But hey! Don't lose hope just yet as Telegraph publication discloses what you can do to get your Boss to increase your pay.
Here's how to secure the rise you deserve.
1. Do your research
We'd all like £250,000 a year, but you won't convince your boss to give you your dream salary. Instead, get a sense of whether you're actually undervalued within your company by asking colleagues how much they're paid. If that fails (there's every chance it might), use job advertisements to judge how much competitors pay similar employees. Then, before talking to your line manager about your salary, speak to your human resources department as they might be able to tell you how pay increases are calculated within your company – for example, if it prioritises boosting the salaries of lower-paid employees. "Research is essential," says Corinne Mills, managing director at Personal Career Management, "There are all kinds of salary checkers available on the internet. Look at advertised roles in your industry as well, but benchmark capability and knowledge as well as salary."
2. Choose your timing
Don't approach your boss at the busiest time of the week. Monday mornings (when everyone's warming up for the week) and Friday afternoons (when they're warming down) are out, too. Instead, talk to your manager when they're feeling relaxed – after lunch is a good bet – and ask to schedule a meeting. "Make sure they aren't rushing off and that nothing else is coming up – an important client visiting or a big new pitch – that might take priority," says Mills. If you think your boss would prefer advance warning, mention that you'd like to discuss salary. If not, it's fine to be vague and save the details for the meeting.
3. Get comfortable
If your boss is seated on a large and imposing chair, then they'll be more inclined to behave in an authoritarian way.
If possible, take your meeting to a neutral spot in the office – such as a semi-public breakout area – and seat your boss somewhere soft and comfortable. A relaxed manager is far more likely to agree to your demands. "If you have a relationship in which you have frank discussions, going off-site to a nearby cafe is fine – especially if you work in an open-plan office. You need to have this discussion where you aren't disturbed," says Mills.
4. Appearance matters
In a perfect world, all bosses would evaluate employees based on their talent and commitment. In reality, many are overworked and imperfect judges, prone to making snap decisions about those around them. Make sure your day-to-day manner, demeanour and appearance works in your favour. "There's no point dressing up on this occasion and looking shabby the rest of the time," says Mills. "The image you portray is an important part of doing your job well and you should always look appropriate." As the saying goes, dress for the job you want, not the job you have already.
5. Set out your reasons
Use clear examples to demonstrate how you've gone beyond your basic job description. Highlight a few instances where you've taken initiative, improved business or helped support the wider team. Remember that this is a business meeting, and your goal is to convince your boss that you are worth a higher salary.
6. Be silent
After you've said your piece, give your employer a chance to respond. "Silence is fantastic," says Mills, "as is asking for their advice. Never say that you're underpaid, and avoid confrontation. Instead, say: 'I've been thinking about my responsibilities and how they might be reflected in my pay. What do you think?' That open question gives them a chance to answer."
7. Keep your boss on side
"It's in both of your interests that you keep your employer on board," says Mills. "Reaffirm your commitment to the job and show you're up for challenges. People often get very defensive or aggressive, and the boss responds to that tone of voice. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your boss will be."
8. Be passionless
A snivelling employee is as attractive as a weeping ex-boyfriend – and just as unlikely to achieve a positive result. Pleading about your struggle to buy a home is a major turn-off, so leave your financial woes out of the conversation. And no matter how your boss behaves, don't threaten to resign if you don't get your way. Even if you're overworked and bullied, the decision to switch companies should be made quietly and discreetly – not during a tantrum.
9. Make your own pay rise
If the answer's no, explore other ways to boost your income, changing your working patterns if needs be. Ask if you could work from home one day a week – which would save 20 per cent of your travel costs. "With the best will in the world, employers may not be able to give you additional pay, but they could offer other things – such as flexibility," says Mills. "If you're asking for a pay rise because of your long hours, perhaps they could give you a more reasonable schedule instead."
10. Follow up with an email
Make sure that whatever you agree is put in writing. If your boss says they don't have the budget for a pay increase at the moment, then ask them when they expect that situation to change and make a note in an email. "Send them a memo saying: 'It was really interesting to hear
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