refer to. By the time you meet, half the work -- the awkward half -- is done. You just need a response but be prepared for your boss to ask you to talk him/her through your points. There is a saying, "It's not what happens to you that's important but how you react to it." This is very true when it comes to pay rise news. Stay calm -- no threats or tears. You have put a well-reasoned "business'' case forward for a pay rise. So what's the verdict? If you get a flat "No'' then I would use a line from How To Get A Pay Rise (out next month from Hardie Grant Books) and say "OK, thanks.'' Once out of the meeting, start your job search in earnest. If you hear, "Love to but the company is having financial issues'' then ask your manager for another pay review within three months. Job search as well as your employer could be on shaky ground. If you love your job and your manager agrees you've done a good job but the pay rise is tiny, then put some non-salary rewards on the table. Rewards include internal or external training or representing your team on a company-wide project -- both build your resume and ultimately your worth on the open employment market. You will still need to explain how the training will benefit your employer -- not just you. Other items might include flexible work conditions, home access to the office