Could you help me with some advice on how to hint to my manager in a somewhat humorous but detailed way, that I want a raise? He's not very fond of such conversations and tries to avoid them. Thanks...

Any upward review in salaries depends on the way the business is performing . It also depends on the department that you are in. The standard measure... of productivity in departments like the sales department are so clear that heads of such departments have never made it difficult for the sales team to achieve salary reviews. If you are in a department that deals with business growth by volumes, you can easily stand a chance in getting a raise whenever you ask for it because those in sales department work on targets, their performance can easily be measured such that when the targets are exceeded, it becomes so easy to negotiate for a salary increase. If you are in a department that deals with reporting and attending where productivity can not be easily measured, you need to be careful when pushing for salary review. You need to be sure that the business performance both in volumes and margins is at its peak before you ask otherwise you will find yourself stepping on toes. more