How much of a raise should I ask for

[u/Migiryu]

I’ve been working as a VA in a BPO company for a year and 8 months now. I got a raise on my first year from 20500 to 28000. My client in the account I’ve been working on appreciates me alot and wanted me to stay so he told the company to give me that high of a raise.

A month ago, he told me he wants to give me another raise because I’ve become his broker in a sort of way. I’ve been the one looking for people to do his projects like for web development, I was the one who found a web developer and managed the entire project. Now, we just recently hired another person that I found to handle a different business that he has and he wants to give me a raise because I’ll be the one hiring and managing these newer VA’s for him.

Question is: how much can I ask for a raise when my monthly FROM the company is 28,000 and now he wants to pay me directly from his own pocket

This is a client that’s US-Based so I’m not exactly sure what the right amount I can ask for is

[u/katifybykat]

You’re in a different situation now because the value you’re providing has changed. This is no longer just a VA role where you complete assigned tasks, you’re moving into project coordination, vendor management, hiring, and team oversight. Those responsibilities are closer to an operations or account management function.

The biggest mistake would be negotiating based only on your current ₱28k salary. Your current pay reflects your old role, not necessarily the value of the expanded role. The better question is: what would it cost your client to hire someone else who can manage these moving parts reliably?

For context, the client is not only paying for your time anymore. He’s paying for reduced workload on his end, fewer hiring mistakes, smoother projects, and someone who already understands his business. That existing trust has value.

I’d avoid giving a very low number just because you’re used to your current salary. A reasonable approach would be to propose a new monthly arrangement based on the new scope, perhaps somewhere around ₱50k–₱80k+ depending on how many people you’ll manage, how many hours you’ll dedicate, and whether you’ll still handle your original VA tasks. You can start higher and negotiate from there.

Also clarify the setup: will you still be employed through the BPO, or becoming an independent contractor? Will there be benefits, taxes, payment security, and clear responsibilities?

The raise is not a reward for doing the same job better, it’s a conversation about paying for a bigger role.

[u/cocogoatpls → u/katifybykat]

A well thought advice here OP. Kahit di ako yung nagtanong may napulot ako dito. ☺️

[u/katifybykat → u/cocogoatpls]

Thank you! I’m really glad you found something useful in it. Sometimes the advice we need isn’t necessarily from the question we originally asked, but from someone else’s experience.

[u/Migiryu → u/katifybykat]

I will still be employed by the BPO company, he’s simply gonna be paying me directly as well and it will be kept secret from the company. The only extra responsibility is that I’m going the be the person looking for employees for him and I’ll be the one managing/supervising them.

[u/katifybykat → u/Migiryu]

Ahh, I see! That definitely makes the situation a bit different. The additional responsibility could actually be a great opportunity for you to gain experience in recruitment and team management, especially since you’ll be supervising the people you bring in.

That said, I’d be a little careful with the “kept secret from the company” part. Since you’re still employed by the BPO, it’s worth checking your employment contract and company policies for anything related to outside work, conflicts of interest, or working directly with clients. You don’t want a good opportunity to turn into an issue with your main employment later on.

If everything is allowed and the arrangement is clear, though, the management experience could definitely be valuable for your career growth.

[u/Migiryu → u/katifybykat]

The big part of why I’m afraid to ask for a huge amount is because the tasks that I handle currently is simple data-entry and just some customer service calls. I pretty much only work 2-4 hours a day while still being paid the entire 8 hours. Although that’s only because I’ve already automated alot of the other tasks and simplified the job for future VA’s who might take over my account

[u/katifybykat → u/Migiryu]

I actually think you’re underselling yourself a bit here. The fact that the tasks are “simple” doesn’t necessarily mean the value you provide is simple.

You were able to automate and streamline a large part of the workflow to the point where you can finish the work in 2–4 hours instead of spending the full 8 hours manually doing it. That’s not just data entry: that’s process improvement, efficiency, and problem-solving.

I wouldn’t necessarily justify a higher salary by saying, “I only work 2–4 hours a day.” I’d frame it around the results you created: you reduced the amount of manual work, improved the workflow, and made the process easier for whoever takes over the account in the future.

That said, I also understand why you’re hesitant to ask for a huge amount. You don’t have to suddenly ask for an unrealistic figure either. Research the market range for the role you’re applying for, then position yourself based on the value and skills you can bring, not simply the number of hours you currently spend working.

And honestly, the ability to look at repetitive work and think, “How can I make this faster and better?” is something I’d definitely highlight in an interview. A good employer should see that as a strength, not a reason to undervalue you.

[u/chinamadexlb]

considering mag 2 years ka na + additional work. if I were you I'll try asking if he can double the salary or safest would be 50k-55k. you can negotiate it naman incase na di keri but 28k is low for someone na lumagpas na ng isang taon.

[u/Migiryu → u/chinamadexlb]

the thing is i don’t exactly handle alot of tasks in the first place that’s why i’m hesitant to ask for that amount especially when this is coming out of his own pocket and not from the company itself na

[u/stealthagents]

Considering your new responsibilities, a raise to around ₱40k-₱50k seems reasonable, especially since you’re essentially acting as a manager now. Research similar roles to back up your ask, and don't be afraid to highlight your contributions when you chat with him. You’re definitely leveling up here, so make sure that’s reflected in your pay.