Can You Ask for a Raise in This Economy?

Ever since the economy went south last fall, workers have considered themselves lucky just to have jobs. Complaints about annoying co-workers or boring meetings have been followed by, "Well, at least I've got a job to complain about."

That sentiment isn't misguided, but it also leaves workers vulnerable to unfavorable work conditions because they don't want to appear ungrateful. Maybe the fear of being fired (and easily replaced) in this economy is the stronger influence. Either way, employees can't let their fear outweigh their professional goals.