If you think that all your colleagues are friends and life is all about your job and the family & personal life are taking backseats, it is high time that you think again.

The New York Daily News has reported that people need to avoid the work at times and sleep else their sense of self will erode any time their job disappoints them.

From in.news.yahoo.com:

Your Money columnist Carolyn Kepcher, author of the best-selling book ‘Carolyn 101,’ tells you the top nine areas in which it’s important to maintain a healthy sense of reality:

My boss reads my mind – Lobby for your promotion and take the initiative of talking to your boss about it. Many workers make the mistake of not engaging in any self-promotion at all – and then suffer the crushing disappointment of not receiving a pay raise, or a promotion.

Co-workers are friends – Although you may find friends at work, it’s very important to draw boundaries. Unlike friendships or romances gone awry, you have no choice but to see your co-workers every single workday.

Salaries are set fairly – It’s your responsibility to negotiate for a higher salary. Employers will pay what they feel they need to pay to hire and keep an employee, and nothing more.

H.R. is here to help me – They will help you, but their true job is to protect the organization. There are certain areas in which it may be best not to seek the H.R. department’s assistance, such as using them as a shoulder to cry on for your every workplace woe.

You aren’t indispensable – Millions of workers learned that their jobs are not as secure as they once thought. Being valuable is realistic, feeling irreplaceable is not.

These eye opening revelations will surely help you see other side of the road, which has been neglected for long.

If you have been giving your best at the workplace but still there is no appreciation or reward coming your way, you need to ask some questions to yourself. Once answered, it is time for you to go for a salary hike.

Most of us, especially members of the youth community, are hesitant to ask for a salary hike despite deserving it. But asking for a hike is worth the courage and you will be pleased to know that the rewards are worth it.

From Timesofindia.indiatimes.com:

Does your performance speak for itself?

If the answer is yes, you have a chance. Present all your achievements since you started working in the organisation. Showcase how these achievements are noteworthy and need recognition in the form of a promotion and raise. The best time to ask is immediately after a recent major achievement, where you have displayed exemplary behaviour (cost cutting, clinching a major account, process improvement or improved productivity). But remember that your past performance, ability to perform under pressure and meet tight deadlines also enhances your chances for a promotion.

Are you ready to take on additional responsibilities?

Promotion means additional responsibilities. The expectation levels will also increase the moment you move to the next level. What was exceptional performance in the last role would be considered average in the new role. As you move ahead in your career, remember that there is no scope for complacency.

Is there a position that you can fill in?

Companies do not offer promotions merely to satisfy employees. There must be a vacancy available. Organisations do not create positions to fulfil your desires. Even if they do so, within a couple of months you will realise that you are still stuck doing the same old routine tasks. However, if you have been creating value additions, been efficient and well informed, there is a possibility of you being given an opportunity to do something different, where you create something from scratch, perhaps even a new department. This is your true test of performance, potential and perseverance.

In addition to keeping a close eye on these factors, do make it a point to present a positive picture about how you can contribute more towards the organization’s growth. Do not hit the panic button and send an email to resign, it does not work most of the times, try to find an amicable solution without being unprofessional!