It’s always hard to ask for a pay rise, but it’s especially hard for a PA. It’s the sort of job where it’s difficult to measure your achievements. It’s not as if you can boast about the amount of new business you’ve brought in, or that you have managed to sell a great idea to a powerful client. A PA’s productivity comes from the support you give to your boss, taking the initiative, and being on call pretty much 24/7. So, if you feel it’s about time you had a pay rise, the best way to initiate the discussion is to put a meeting in your boss’ diary. Once your boss notices the appointment in the diary, he/she will be concerned. There’s always the worry that you’ll be handing in your notice at that meeting. Make sure you know what you’re going to say, write down your achievements, plan your responses, and try to pre-empt your boss’ comments. Most importantly, don’t make asking for a pay increase become an ultimatum. No one ever responds well when they’re pushed into a corner. Let your employer know how much you enjoy working for the company and for him/her, but state your case clearly and explain why you deserve a pay rise. Hopefully, with a few compliments thrown in and a few reminders about how great you are, the conversation should end on a positive note. And good luck – it’s never easy talking about money.