Every professional reaches a point in their career development where they realize they need financial growth as well. Their level of competence and experience allows them to aim for a higher income. But how do you start the conversation with your manager about a salary raise?

The good news is that while discussing your salary directly is one path to an increase, there are other avenues you can explore that might help you avoid having to ask that direct question.

Let’s break down your options:

• A New Job. Moving to a new company can be a great option. Since recruiters and hiring managers often ask about your financial expectations during interviews, don’t be shy — be clear about your motivation for making a change.
• Lateral Movement. This option is ideal for those who are truly committed to their current company and don’t want to leave. Talk to key people responsible for career progression and development within your organization. There may be other teams or departments with greater potential for growth.
• New Skills, New Opportunities. Acquiring new, in-demand skills can lead to financial growth without needing to make drastic changes or leave your company. Speak with your management to clarify which skills would be most valuable for your current position. By gaining new skills, you might even discover new areas within the company that offer better prospects.
• Leverage Your Strengths. Utilize your best professional and personal qualities — these are your assets. They can help you secure employment without limiting you to just one role or field.
• Supplemental Income. Almost any hobby or talent can be monetized. Do you make jewelry or know a lot about cars? Share this with your network, and clients will likely appear. Are you proficient in a foreign language? Great, you could try your hand at tutoring or remote translation work. Don’t rule out one-off gigs, there are many platforms where you can find paid tasks. If you have programming or design skills, freelance websites are a great option. However, remember to rest — overworking yourself can quickly lead to burnout.

If you are determined to achieve a salary increase, you will succeed! The odds are in your favor, you just have to try. If you don’t see realistic growth prospects in your current profession, leverage your transferable skills and consider retraining or transitioning into a higher-paying field.