The Sand
Your boss keeps saying things like “Can you just handle this too?” and somehow your job description has doubled… but your paycheck hasn’t.
You don’t want to be “difficult,” but you also don’t want to be the office doormat.
The Pearl (Ready-to-Use Scripts)
Option 1 — Professional, Firm
Good for: opening the compensation conversation without drama.
“I’m happy to help where I can. Right now my plate already includes A, B, and C. If this new responsibility is a permanent addition, could we talk about adjusting my role and compensation to match the added scope?”
Option 2 — Boundary on Capacity
Good for: pushing back on infinite workload, even if you’re not ready to talk money yet.
“I can take this on, but that means something else has to move. Which current project would you like me to deprioritize to make room for this?”
Option 3 — If You’re Hitting a Wall
Good for: when this has been happening for months.
“I’ve taken on a lot of additional tasks over the last few months without a title or pay adjustment. I want to keep doing good work here, and I’d like us to have a conversation about aligning my responsibilities with my role and compensation.”
When to Use These
- Your responsibilities have clearly grown beyond your original job.
- “Team player” has become code for “will do everything.”
- You’re ready to stop letting your silence imply consent.
Pearl Check (What This Protects)
- Your time and energy.
- Your ability to do your work well instead of drowning.
- Your long-term career path (and future salary negotiations).