When I was younger, I was excited to accept a job working with Sandy Bremer, Founder of Open University

I agreed to a salary that was less than half of what I had been making working in the tennis industry under Rod Laver. But I believed in the mission, loved the work, and thought I would soon get a raise as a result of my hustle and active role in boosting revenue.

Well, three months went by. Then six months. I was working long hours, coming up with new course ideas, and writing copy that was increasing registrations.

After a year, I felt like I was being taken advantage of. I wasn’t getting paid what I thought I was worth. I was even considering leaving a job I loved because I felt it was so unfair.

I finally decided to speak up for myself. I stormed into Sandy’s office (forgive me, I was young), pounded my fist on her desk, and said, “I think I deserve a raise.”

She looked at me calmly and said, “You’re right, you do. I was wondering when you were going to have the courage to come in and ask for it.”

Sandy was right. It was not her responsibility to give me a raise. It was my responsibility to ask for one if I thought I earned it and if I had evidence of the bottom-line value I had added.

I’m grateful to Sandy, for many things. She was a wonderful boss who taught me a lot, including that it is up to us to ask for what we deserve. After all, if we don’t ask, the answer’s always no.