Essentially, they just finagled a deal which created a new position and job title. The kicker is this - He'll be making $25K more than I currently do. Now, he does a lot more than I do, so I expect him to make more money, but not $25K more. I'm sorry. I have to mention this to my direct superior. She knows what I do. She also knows that of late, I've been making her life a lot easier. I'm worth more. At least an additional $5K. I do too much and get paid too little right now.
The unfortunate thing is that I even know how much this guy makes. Typically, we've done a really good job of not discussing money. To be honest, I had an idea of what some people made in comparison to me, but no absolute figures. Because my boss decided to just discuss private issues in public, I now know.
The real issue is how I approach this. I've never negotiated a salary before. Do I use today's situation as leverage? Do I even mention it at all? My direct superior and I have the type of rapport that I feel I could mention is and it wouldn't be an issue regardless of the outcome.
The timing of this works out well. Next month will mark one year at the company. If ever there was a time to negotiate, it's now, right?
Please respond with advice.
11 comments:
My advice don't mention the new position. It really is irrelevant to to getting a raise. I would focus on what you have produced, your time with the company, etc.
i agree with life: don't mention what you overheard. also, i suggest you outline your strengths and contributions to the job in writing. visuals can be very effective.
one more thing, you might try researching typical salaries for your position. see what other companies are paying for the kind of work that you do. good luck!
Thanks for the advice guys.
The crux of my argument for getting a raise is:
1) next month marks a year since I've started.
2) I went to my direct supervisor asking for more responsibility a couple of months ago and received it.
3) I've been an asset to my direct boss. She's mentioned how I've been making her life easier.
I'm fairly certain I will mention how I know what I know. I don't plan to chastise the ED to the other boss, but the fact remains he made a mistake in having that conversation publicly. I don't anyone will refute that.
Icansee - The outline is a good idea. Thanks for that. My non-profit pays slightly better than market value, so I'll probably forgo mentioning that they already pay me slightly more than the market dictates I'm worth. :-)
So - don't hate or rain on ol' boy's parade for getting a come up of $25K. Congrats to him. What you need to do is not compare yourself to him...give it time and if it's sufficient and you have your ish in order - then you either move up, or move out...and then you get what you deserve.
Darius - This is strictly business; nothing's personal. I'm not hating one bit. I was thinking I was underpaid before, this happened to be catalyst for what I hope will be change. And remember, the boss violated professional cardinal rule #1 - Thou shalt never discuss money within earshot of other employees. Shame on him for not going into his office to talk about this.
I like what I do and I like the people I work with. Too many people are just willing to ship out. There's no harm in discussing this.
seems like the timing's right
also seems like u deserve it
fingers crossed here
I suggest you start looking for a new job to use as leverage. Be ready to walk if you have to. Maybe this is a sign its time to move on to bigger and better things. But always, always ask for more than what you want.
Are you sure that they weren't having a conversation within earshot so that you COULD hear them? Maybe they are trying to gauge your reaction.
But I can fully understand how you feel. There are 3 employees on our team of 32 that make about $15,000 more than the rest of us and do the same job that we do. But we aren't supposed to know that.
I agree with Life. Is your position a set salary or a career lateral position? Does what you do now give you more room to grow? If not, I would bring up the new position by asking your supervisor is there any "new positions" that you can apply for that will substantiate your growth potential.
I wish you the best.
Hopefully everything will work out for the best.
You must definitely "show" that you're an asset. It also won't be bad to see what's on the market to gauge the next step in your career.
If anything I've learned working it's that you will always be expendable. Utilize their resources to benefit your long-term goals.
TDRT and I always seem to be on the same wavelength. I was wondering if the conversation was loud on purpose so you could overhear.
It sounds like you've gotten some great advice already. Hopefully things work out in your favor.
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