How Not to Ask for a Raise or Promotion.

Why do you think you should be paid a higher salary? Is it because you need to buy season tickets to your favorite team's games? Maybe you would like to start a bird farm. Or perhaps it's just that you want to earn more than your spouse does. Believe it or not, these are among a list of actual reasons offered to managers by employees seeking raises or promotions, according to a survey by Accountemps, a nationwide temporary staffing service for accounting, finance, and bookkeeping professionals.

Managers were asked: "What are the most unusual reasons you've ever heard of employees giving for why they deserve a raise or promotion?" Here are some of the responses:

* "It'd be good for morale."

* "A friend at another company just got the same amount I'm asking for."

* "I've been trying to earn six figures all my life."

* "I need to pay for my child's private schooling."

* "My condominium assessment has gone up."

* "I may not be productive, but I come in every day."

* "My uncle has a senior position in this company."

* "I need more money because I want a new car with leather seats."

* "My husband thinks I should be paid more."

* "I come to work each day and no one else does."

* "My wife is now earning much more than me."

* "I've had it with my neighborhood and need to move up."

* "I've stopped eating my lunch due to my heavy workload."

* "If I earned more, I could give to some very important charities."

* "I want to start a bird farm."

* One employee, who apparently didn't want to be bothered with having to be creative, simply told his manager: "I just thought it was about time I asked."

While these particular tactics were undoubtedly less than successful, they are reminders of how awkward it is for most people to ask for a raise or promotion. Nevertheless, "Discussing your prospects in the organization with your...