Should I aim for higher?

[debbydowner]

Hello,

I just want some perspective from other working women on where i stand and what should i aim for so please hear with me.

Before kids, i worked for 2 years as a graduate analyst in Investment management(middle office) a d earned 35k a year. This is london. Then as planned, i took a break from work to gave two kids back to back, a break of total 5 years.

When my youngest was 18 months, I started work as an analyst, same industry but much more exciting job earning 40k a year. At this point i am glad to be back on the ladder so took the best opportunity i got.

I am now 2 years in this job and up for a promotion but i think salary wont jump too high. This job opened up many skills for me that i didnt think I have, such as investment research(stock selection). I am thinking of slowly moving to this area and i think i may be able to break in BUT if it comes a time there is a future discussion of salary what should I aim for?

45k would be nice but i am 39 years old, have taken much pay rise since cost of living crisis. Would it be too ambitious if i go for 50k?

I gave surprising progress at my current job taking on projects from scratch and putting in place new sets of fund monitoring processes and ESG so i am feeling a bit proud of myself but it sucks that i have been stuck on not much financial incentive.

Can you give me a perspective?

£50k is 25% jump. I think it's reasonable to ask for.

Make sure you write down and rehearse all your up to date achievements and how much value you are going to add to your new role

Worst they can say is no and make you a counter offer. You may get 47 and a plan to get to 50k.
I pushed for an increase on my last role change for the first time ever in 20 years and got extra 10k. I wouldn't have been offered that. I very clearly stated all of the experience I brought to the role and why I deserved it and I got it no questions asked. I probably could have pushed a bit more as they didn't even try to negotiate. Went from 80k to 90k.
I have started trying to be as cocky as a male would be. I. E. Going for roles that I don't think I have all skills for, asking for more, etc.

Thank you both!

I aim to be with my current employer for at least a year and then move forward. Within the year, i will know what plans they have for me. I am being pessimistic in thinking that they will give me pay rise but very low just for namesake. I will be undertaking a lot more work next year and my manager will want me stay on so he wants to recommend giving me a good pay rise. But it's up-to the corporate hr to review and confirm etc.

At the same time, i do like to look elsewhere for challenging opportunities. It will be something i can decide mid-2024.

See, when i suggested 50k i thought i was being way OTT but you both told me it is reasonable to ask for. I wouldn't have considered it if i did not get that reassurance! Also I read somewhere that women in general are hesitant to apply for roles where the qualifications don't always match so i am going to do that as well @DNLove

Thanks for the suggestions, i am going to put down all my achievements and what i have been doing and update my CV.