Career Growth

Didn’t Get A Good Raise? 7 Signs You’re Still Excelling At Your Job

. 4 min read . Written by Vanshika Goenka
Didn’t Get A Good Raise? 7 Signs You’re Still Excelling At Your Job

Another appraisal season is behind us. 

Owing to the tanking economy, rampant lay-offs, and docked salaries, expecting a massive appraisal in 2021 has been but a dream for many. 

If you’re one of them, it’s completely valid that you’re feeling deflated for not having gotten the appraisal you deserved (or needed). 

So, take this article as Kool Kanya’s attempt to cheer you up. 

We know that very few things feel as satisfying as getting a raise, but not getting one doesn’t always mean you’re bad at your job!

Our current situation notwithstanding, many people often don’t get the appraisals they deserve due to office politics, a bad work culture, or financial crunches. That, too, has nothing to do with an employee’s skills and talents.

Before you start questioning yours, we’re here to point out the signs that indicate you’re actually doing pretty well at work, even if your new salary doesn’t reflect it. 

7 Signs You’re Doing Well In Your Job

1. Your Work Is Used As An Example

If your boss uses your work to exemplify how to do something well, you’re doing pretty well at work!

This obviously indicates that you’re giving your boss the desired results and you’re using your skills in the most efficient way.

Take this to mean that you’re getting noticed!

2. You’ve Been Getting More Tasks

If you’ve been assigned more tasks, or added to new projects lately, take it as a sign that your capabilities are getting noticed.

But remember, there’s a difference between work getting dumped on you and work being given to you to handle.

How do you know if you’re being entrusted with more work in a good way?

If you feel like those extra tasks aren’t anywhere close to your job description, you’re most likely just being burdened with more work due to a lack of manpower, or mismanagement.

Didn’t Get A Good Raise? 7 Signs You’re Still Excelling At Your Job

3. You’re Getting More Feedback 

I know what you’re thinking. Shouldn’t I get less feedback if I’m good at my job? Yes, partly.

But getting feedback from your boss means that they’re actively training you to move towards bigger, more complex tasks.

Again, think about the kind of feedback you’re getting. Are you being urged to think outside the box? To think of different ways of solving a problem? Or are you still being corrected for making the same mistake over and over? If it’s the former, you’re doing great.

4. You Have A Good Working Relationship With Your Peers

Your boss may not see all that’s good about you, but if your peers ask for your help, provide feedback, have healthy discussions about work-related projects, and congratulate you for a job well done, you’re not only doing well at your job, but you’re also surrounded by wonderful people.

Didn’t Get A Good Raise? 7 Signs You’re Still Excelling At Your Job

5. You’re Given Autonomy

Even the best bosses can become micromanagers when they can’t fully trust their employees to do a good job.

But if your boss has reduced the amount of back-and-forth communication with you, or they tell you to “take a shot at it and see how it goes”, it is a clear-cut sign that they trust you with certain decisions. And that’s always a good thing!

6. Your Opinions Are Valued 

Whether in important meetings or discussions, if your opinion is considered without you feeling guilty or afraid of having said ‘too much’, you’re doing pretty well in your job.

7. You’re Asked To Represent Your Company

You could be the main point of contact for a project, or the face of a brand collaboration.

If you’re given the reins to spearhead a project as a representative of your company in any capacity, it shows that your boss trusts you and wants to groom you to take over bigger projects over time. Revel in it!

You may not have received the raise you rightly deserved. But there’s no need to feel disheartened! There are many other benchmarks for success – these were some of them. Did I miss out on any other tell-tale signs? Let me know in the comments below!

You’re invited! Join the Kool Kanya women-only career Community where you can network, ask questions, share your opinions, collaborate on projects, and discover new opportunities. Join now.