As everything increases, your purchasing power gradually decreases over time ... unless you can successfully renegotiate your salary. Which is easier said than done because there are so many pitfalls to avoid.

Here are a dozen things not to say in such circumstances:

I know now might not be the perfect time

If you know, then why talk about it? As it turns out, timing is everything in a negotiation, so it's best to wait for good financial results or at least a good review of your performance before jumping in.

I work hard

Everyone works hard, but are you performing better than that? Do you have more responsibilities than someone else? These are much better arguments.

I did everything that was asked of me

"… And you were paid for what was heard" will probably be the answer you will get. Before asking for more, start by offering more. You will be more credible.

I deserve it

It's already better, but you still have to prove it. What exactly are you basing yourself on? What improvements have you made to the business? The contract you recently got? Much of the increase in sales attributable to you?

I have been working here for a long time

In the private sector, you are generally not paid according to your seniority, but according to your expertise. If you want to play that card, talk more about your years of experience and show your added value.

I learned that so and so earns 10% more than me

Maybe that's because he's worth 20% more than you. Your salary negotiation should depend first and foremost on your performance, not that of your colleagues.

I need a raise because ...

External factors have absolutely nothing to do with your reward. Have you just divorced and ended up with maintenance to pay? A salary increase would obviously be welcome, but what message are you sending? That you are worth more when you are single than when you are in a relationship?

The minimum I am willing to accept is ...

If this minimum is 5%, why would you be offered 10%? Start by asking for a raise, then go for as many as you can depending on the response you get.

I accept!

Likewise, accepting the first offer you are made - the famous "one yours is better than two you get" - penalizes you for what you could have gotten by actually negotiating.

Either you raise me up or I quit

This is an extremely risky card that should only be played as a last resort. Bear in mind that if the company is thinking about making cuts soon, it is better to let go of the employee who does this type of blackmail than someone who performs so well and who really cares about t