Staying Put: 6 Ways To Keep Your Job And Boost Your Annual Salary

Forbes

9 hours ago

Some workers are discovering that they can stay put in the jobs they have and still make more money, ... More and experts show how you, too, can make this happen.
It's hard not to become discouraged in the crowded 2025 job market. Gallup cites that 48% of U.S. employees are seeking new roles. When workers are dissatisfied with their current jobs, the first option is usually job hopping. But there's another option hiding in plain sight, like those looking for their glasses when they're on their head the whole time. Staying put in the job you already have and using different strategies is another option. According to experts, there are ways you can boost your annual salary in the job you already have without job hopping.
5 Tips For Staying Put And Increasing Your Annual Salary
To navigate job changes wisely, it's important to focus on long-term career advancement, not short-term gains. Current market conditions and the ability to articulate your career moves can bring you more money and professional growth. Experts offer tips on how you can consider long-term salary gains, shine in the job you already have and increase your annual salary.
I spoke by email with Amanda Augustine, certified professional career coach (CPCC) and resident career expert at Careerminds. She suggests that you start by investing in your own professional development by upgrading your skills. She recommends completing a certification, joining a training program or building in-demand skills during your off-hours.
'This helps position you as a more valuable employee who's worth a bump in compensation,' she points out. 'You might also find opportunities to earn more by taking on high-impact projects, leading cross-functional initiatives or volunteering to work less desirable shifts that offer time-and-a-half pay.'
Augustine suggests that you check in with HR or long-time colleagues to make sure you're taking advantage of all the benefits your company already has to offer. 'From pre-tax commuter stipends and wellness reimbursements, to mentorship programs and professional-development budgets, these offerings can reduce your expenses and add value to your career,' she explains. 'Some companies even offer employee referral bonuses for helping to recruit great talent or extra pay for internal training or mentoring.'
Don't be afraid to ask for what you need to improve your salary. Sam Hammock, CHRO of Verizon, told me it's important to advocate for yourself—whether it's a promotion, a better work-life balance or even just more resources on your team. Hammock says you have to think about what you need and have the courage to ask for it. She suggests that if you're scared, remember that negotiations are conversations, not confrontations.
If you're asking for a promotion or a raise, it's important to have a list of your achievements and cite how they have had a positive effect on your team and the organization. Time your request by learning your company's cycles and business needs. Typically, the four best times to explain why you deserve more compensation is during an annual performance review, after completing a successful project, when the company reports strong financial results and after you achieve a significant personal milestone like completing a major certification, receiving an award or exceeding performance targets.
If a raise isn't possible right now, Augustine recommends that you think about other negotiables that offer real value, such as a flexible schedule, additional paid time off (PTO) or covering the cost of a certification or conference. 'No matter what, track your accomplishments and wins in your digital 'brag book' throughout the year so you're ready to make your case when the time is right,' she advises. "Remember, raises and cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) aren't automatically doled out, so it's important to be proactive in managing and advancing your career."
Side hustles have become the new normal for having your own revenue stream, giving you confidence at the negotiation table, whether you're pursuing a promotion or negotiating a raise. Experts argue that side hustles are no longer a luxury but that everyone needs a gig job to supplement their current jobs in today's uncertain economy.
If you're tight for income, side hustles can help you get back and stay on your feet. Consider joining the increasing numbers of workers taking back their earning potential with their own plan, on their own schedule, driving their own future career destination. Salary supplement is the leading motivator for side hustles, with some earning as much as $45,000 annually from gig work.
According to SideHustles.com, one in six Americans report earning at least $2,000 per month from freelancing. If you're looking for the fastest growing side hustles in the U.S. and Canada, you can find them here. If you're wondering how to make quick easy cash fast and how to get started, you can find a few leads here and make as much as $1,000 extra per month.
Atalia Horenshtien, head of AI practice at Customertimes, told me that if you're concerned about losing your job in the age of AI, there are ways to future-proof in the job you're in. One of the best steps you can take is to learn how to partner with AI, instead of resist it.
Horenshtien advises that you don't have to become a data scientist, but you do need to know how to make AI tools useful, adding that the ability to bridge the gap between tech and business outcomes is what will set you apart.
She also mentions that AI will likely replace tasks, not whole jobs, especially those rooted in repetition. 'What it still can't replicate well," she points out, "is original thinking, emotional intelligence, ethical judgment and complex decision-making. If your role leans heavily on these, double down. If not, it's time to pivot.'
She suggests the worst move is to stay still. 'If your role includes repetitive tasks, assume they're next in line for automation. Up-skilling now, whether in AI tools, business strategy or adjacent fields, puts you ahead of the curve and out of the risk zone when change hits.'
According to SideHustles.com, one in five Americans are planning to quit their jobs in 2025, with Millennials and Gen Z leading the way. Other employees are choosing to avoid the stress of job hunting, keep their heads down and work hard in a dead-end job that doesn't pay well. But sometimes the simplest, easiest and most lucrative option is staying put and figuring out strategies right in front of your eyes that can save you the stress of job hopping and boost your annual salary to boot.