Management lied.

[NGC1300]

So I demanded an increase in pay, and they looked me in the eye and said "we can't pay you that".

 

I said ok, I will be leaving the company in 2 weeks. So they then decide to pay me what they originally said they couldn't pay me.

 

In other words, management LIED. LIED to my face. What a sick world. The guy shaking your hand is the same guy that resents you.

 

Should I leave this job anyway, due to this unprofessionalism?

[Tayla]

hmmm... what are the advantages in staying?

 

Sounds like you played your " i'll leave if you don't pay up!" and they got your message.Your leaving would at this point guarantee you no further jobs with them or a good recommendation.

 

riddle me this, if i say I can't eat ice cream and over the weekend you see me eating ice cream , had I lied? Nope! because maybe on that particular day I was getting my allergy test done and I literally could not eat ice cream. put things in perspective. Facts do change. doesn't mean they lied.

[Gloria25]

I wouldn't call it "lying", I call it "calling your bluff", "playing chicken", "standing up for yourself"

 

See, today I was reading some stuff and the point being raised is that unfortunately, some people - even the ones who have a so-called obligation to let you know about your rights, benefits, entitlements, etc ain't gonna tell you unless you ask, be assertive, question things, and stand up for yourself....

 

BTW, good job standing up for yourself!!! But next time make sure you got something else lined up in case they don't bend. Also, try a different approach...like ask to meet with your boss and have a reasonable justification for "why" you should be promoted, paid more, etc (ie you sign off on more focs than others in an hour). Cuz you wanna show that you're a team player and that you bring "value" to the employer - not that you're "entitled".

 

I had a Sergeant who was giving me a hard time to be recommended early for promotion. Mind you, she was overweight, could barely pass physical fitness, had less college than I - basically she didn't want me to be a Sergeant cuz I'd out shine her (which was not my intent...I just wanted more money). So, once I asked to meet with her and ask to be put on a plan to promotion, she had no choice "but" to recommend me cuz she couldn't justify holding me back anymore.

[loverboy69]

So I demanded an increase in pay, and they looked me in the eye and said "we can't pay you that".

 

I said ok, I will be leaving the company in 2 weeks. So they then decide to pay me what they originally said they couldn't pay me.

 

In other words, management LIED. LIED to my face. What a sick world. The guy shaking your hand is the same guy that resents you.

 

Should I leave this job anyway, due to this unprofessionalism?

 

You sound like an aggressive individual if you are demanding a raise. I could be wrong but that sounds borderline unprofessional in itself.

 

If you have a solid skill set and have demonstrated high value (in the eyes of others not when looking in the mirror) then you likely won't have to demand anything and other employers would be pounding at your door.

[privategal]

You have to really look at the way you see your management, and check your attitude. They are not always the enemy.

I cant pay you that means, HR would need to make an exception, the starting rate for the job is set to a certain rate and that is the negotiated figure. And it could even mean, at this time, I don't feel you've earned it.

Your stance of demanding raises and calling them liars and unprofessional tells me you are one of those employees always complaining, always looking for the negatives, and that you likely are a trouble maker.

If you always have a chip on your shoulder, always pointing out the wrongs, always seeing every negative, I am wondering if you've realized yet it doesn't make work better.

You need to be a team player, stay out of gossip, keep a good attitude and help your managers and team members with solutions to problems.

[Art_Critic]

I'd be looking for another job, you just put a target on your back and they will replace you with cheaper help now if they feel they were strong armed.

 

I hope the work atmosphere you work in is unprofessional because who wants to employ someone that demands a raise ? nobody... you get a raise not for your past performance but for you future performance so you better be worth the raise or they will fire you...

 

I'm sure typing this out on the internet is just leaving out the tone of what you just went through and you didn't demand a raise and just discussed it with them, negotiated as it were.. if that is true then you have nothing to worry about and they won't replace you and then it is good on you for cutting a better deal.

[Survivor12]

There was no "benefit" to your employer to pay you more just because you asked.

 

They agreed to pay you more when faced with the costs of replacing you as an employee.

 

Those are two different issues.

 

On the other hand, although you were prepared to leave when they denied your request (and you believed they were telling the truth), you are not as decisive about leaving an employer that you believe is dishonest.

 

So basically, to you, the money & your self-interest is more important than truth yet you criticize your employer for protecting their's.

 

Understand that you may have won the battle, but the war isn't necessarily over. Because your employer is paying you more that what they feel you (your work itself) is worth, if cutbacks occur, you will be among the fiirst considerations for layoff or dismissal. Business is business, after all.

 

Good luck.

[CarrieT]

They may have "lied," but you also played an extortion card: pay me or I'll walk.

 

What ArtCritic said: Start looking for another job.

[loveweary11]

Tip: Separate your emotions/anger from business.

 

"Management" are just people that get up in the morning and go to work like you do.

 

It's their job to make sure productivity is high while expenses are low. Your salary is an expense. The only reason you got this raise is you had them over a barrel. You essentially threatened to lower productivity unless you cost them more money. They had little choice but to give in to your demands, given you are definitely worth something in the productivity department.

 

Your actions started this, not theirs. They were reacting to you, not lying or attacking you. You attacked them.

 

Now, you'll be the first fired or laid off, most likely if there are any budget cuts because you are too expensive relative to your co workers.

 

Not necessarily a good move you made.

[carhill]

OP, business is war. Everyone lies. Not all the time but when it benefits them.

 

Remember, as long as it's legal, it's business, not personal. As long as everyone goes home alive, it's a good day. Use it.

 

In my industry, it's common to take that hit, ferret out a competitor, negotiate a better deal and steal as many customers as possible when leaving. Dare them to sue. Like I said, war.

 

Perhaps in more sanitized industries, management doing what they did is 'unprofessional'. In my neck of the woods, normal and expected and they expect the same in return. Hey, live a little. Makes retirement more satisfying.

[GunslingerRoland]

Lied is a strong word. Of course they can always give you more money, but is it feasible financially? You backed them into a corner and they had to make a choice they didn't want to.

 

 

It was a bold move, but you'd better make it worth it for them or you will be gone real soon.

[carhill]

Should I leave this job anyway, due to this unprofessionalism?

 

I think the advice you received from others to find other employment is sound, not because this employer is unprofessional but rather because your shelf life is always limited and especially when you use the 'I'll go elsewhere' negotiating tactic.

 

In my view, they were not unprofessional but rather weak, since they gave in to your unilateral demand and ultimatum. In my world it would be 'here's your last check, clean out your tools and we'll escort you off the property' Done. That's why having a better deal lined up is paramount when using these negotiating tactics. I'd get moving on that if I were you. If you're good at what you do, even if having an attitude about compensation, employers will look past that to get your bottom line numbers. The fact that this employer rolled over bears witness to that potential if I was wrong about them being weak. Your 'problem' was, or is, worth it to them, for now anyway. My suggestion would be to grow your stock and view employers as transitory, growing your value, and their bottom line, with each stop. By and large that's today's business world, regardless of what spin corporate communication puts on it. Oh, tip.... sanitizing 'lie' with 'spin' or 'narrative' seems to be received better. Heh.

[PegNosePete]

They may have "lied," but you also played an extortion card: pay me or I'll walk.

I don't think he did. He asked for a raise without mentioning leaving. When they said they couldn't give it to him, he said he's leaving. They chose to offer more money to keep him there, and in light of that offer, he retracted his resignation.

 

Yes it was poor negotiation, and he probably could have played it much better. But he never said pay me more or I'll leave.

 

Finding a new job is probably the best course of action...

[Rejected Rosebud]

Like it or not, that is a common scenario. Don't take it personally.

 

I don't think that demanding a raise is very professional. I'm surprised they weren't happy to see you go, unless it's crucial that your position is filled for the company to do its business.

[central]

Sometimes they lie - if it serves their own interests. Sometimes it's policy, and requires special circumstances to change.

 

 

I worked at a job where the going rate changed dramatically during the time I worked there. I asked for a raise to match market conditions. They said they could not do so unless I left and was later rehired. I left and went elsewhere temporarily. Six months later they rehired me, at a 50% pay increase. Sheer ridiculous bureaucracy, but that was their system, so I followed their rules and got what I wanted. You have a lot more leverage if you have a professional position in a large company, than if you are easily replaceable.

 

 

As for you, you got the raise. Enjoy it. Stay a while. Later, if you can get another raise by joining another company you like better for whatever reason, just do that. Don't make an issue of how you feel about this - it won't do any good and could do you harm.

Edited January 14, 2016 by central

[Maggie4]

I guess you'll have to leave, cos you already told them you'll be leaving in two weeks. So if you don't leave, you lied

[Miss Peach]

Maybe this is an industry thing? I don't think it's unprofessional in itself. It depends on how it's done.

 

In my field if you don't ask to move to better projects, job titles, more money, etc. they are happy to keep paying you the same thing forever. I used to have the mindset not to ask when I changed into my current industry. When I left that job my boss made a comment that I was the only person under him (out of about 20 people) who didn't demand a raise at some point during the project.

 

Also, at some of my previous employers, it was near impossible to get a raise without another offer and playing the counter offer game. Talking with recruiters in my industry who have had a lot of people who decided to stay at their job it's not uncommon in some fields. I had several coworkers who did that and it didn't hurt them at all at that company. It was just part of the political games that seem common. When I got my last job I got several other offers at the same time. It was something a lot of companies were concerned about - not just the competition from the other offers but also that I would just use it to stay on better terms with the employer I was leaving.

[NGC1300]

By "demand", I mean I told them I like working here, but would have to walk unless I received a rate I felt was more appropriate for the duties I've been performing. So, no, I didn't stick my finger in anyone's face.

 

I doubt there's a target on my back now, as some have suggested. While nobody is irreplaceable, I see what goes on, and without self-aggrandization already know my abilities surpass many of the people I work alongside with. They know it too, given the nature of the jobs they assign me with.

 

But yes, they lied to my face. They tried to devalue my worth, while simultaneously assigning me with the toughest jobs. Didn't appreciate it, business or not. So while I didn't argue with raise, YES I THINK I SHOULD LEAVE ANYWAY.

 

People sometimes claim, "well you should never have to ask for a raise. If you prove yourself it will be forthcoming". I don't know on what planet these people live.

[privategal]

Your attitude is just so negative.

[road]

By "demand", I mean I told them I like working here, but would have to walk unless I received a rate I felt was more appropriate for the duties I've been performing. So, no, I didn't stick my finger in anyone's face.

 

I doubt there's a target on my back now, as some have suggested. While nobody is irreplaceable, I see what goes on, and without self-aggrandization already know my abilities surpass many of the people I work alongside with. They know it too, given the nature of the jobs they assign me with.

 

But yes, they lied to my face. They tried to devalue my worth, while simultaneously assigning me with the toughest jobs. Didn't appreciate it, business or not. So while I didn't argue with raise, YES I THINK I SHOULD LEAVE ANYWAY.

 

People sometimes claim, "well you should never have to ask for a raise. If you prove yourself it will be forthcoming". I don't know on what planet these people live.

 

 

Not to say this is going to happen, but I have heard that when people say give me a raise or I leave.

 

 

What happened is the business did not want to be left short handed, or rush to find a replacement. So they wait and when they find a great replacement they then replace you.

[privategal]

They should, her attitude is toxic. Most people in this economy are grateful for their jobs and respect their employer and want to do a good job, choose a good attitude and are courteous toward colleagues and managers. I knew she would come back and say she didn't "demand".

Move on so someone who cares about their work ethic, appreciates the opportunity and is not engaging in an us vs. them toxic environment complaining and entitled.

[Tayla]

By "demand", I mean I told them I like working here, but would have to walk unless I received a rate I felt was more appropriate for the duties I've been performing. So, no, I didn't stick my finger in anyone's face.

 

I doubt there's a target on my back now, as some have suggested. While nobody is irreplaceable, I see what goes on, and without self-aggrandization already know my abilities surpass many of the people I work alongside with. They know it too, given the nature of the jobs they assign me with.

 

But yes, they lied to my face. They tried to devalue my worth, while simultaneously assigning me with the toughest jobs. Didn't appreciate it, business or not. So while I didn't argue with raise, YES I THINK I SHOULD LEAVE ANYWAY.

 

People sometimes claim, "well you should never have to ask for a raise. If you prove yourself it will be forthcoming". I don't know on what planet these people live.

 

Not sure where your employed. Once hired, a business is under no legal obligation to increase your pay. Short of a labor law change, ppl are not entitled to raises . I agree with you that "proving" yourself doesn't garner a wage increase either. The carrot is often dangled with little thought to the employee.

How is it lieing if they are under no court order to shell out raises?

 

I don't think you have a negative attitude. I think you misconstrued the dynamics of real business regulations. They do not have to grant raises.

 

So are you going to stay?

[TheFinalWord]

So I demanded an increase in pay, and they looked me in the eye and said "we can't pay you that".

 

I said ok, I will be leaving the company in 2 weeks. So they then decide to pay me what they originally said they couldn't pay me.

 

In other words, management LIED. LIED to my face. What a sick world. The guy shaking your hand is the same guy that resents you.

 

Should I leave this job anyway, due to this unprofessionalism?

 

They didn't say they couldn't pay that, they said they couldn't pay YOU that. Maybe they don't see why they should pay your desired salary. While I think it is fine to ask for a raise, you should have a portfolio of evidence demonstrating why you are worth what you are asking for. Instead of giving an ultimatum, you would have done better to explain why are you worth that salary. "Here are the projects I completed, here is the value I add, here are the goals I exceeded etc." And then asked if they would consider your request.

Edited January 15, 2016 by TheFinalWord

[Maggie4]

By "demand", I mean I told them I like working here, but would have to walk unless I received a rate I felt was more appropriate for the duties I've been performing.

 

I think it's perfectly fine to ask for or demand a raise. It's how you do it. Whenever an employee threatens to walk, I tell him to just please go. It's a matter of principle, to never allow your company to be held hostage, and set a bad example for the others. No one person is ever indispensible to a company. A company cannot depend on one person to survive, and good people leave for family reasons all the time, or fall ill, beyond our control. Management must be able to do without any one person at any time. That's why whenever you threaten to go, you must go.

[road]

Not sure where your employed. Once hired, a business is under no legal obligation to increase your pay. Short of a labor law change, ppl are not entitled to raises . I agree with you that "proving" yourself doesn't garner a wage increase either. The carrot is often dangled with little thought to the employee.

How is it lieing if they are under no court order to shell out raises?

 

I don't think you have a negative attitude. I think you misconstrued the dynamics of real business regulations. They do not have to grant raises.

 

So are you going to stay?

 

 

If there is a pay increase system in place the company must give raises based on the contract. So to issue a blanket statement that their is no legal obligation is not true. I guess your statement not being true we can say your statement can be taken as a lie.

 

 

Historically when labor is in short supply it has driven up wages.

 

 

Historically when an employee shows that he is that good he has gotten raises.

 

 

The OP's employer did lie when looked at in a black and white way.

 

 

They said we can't then they did.

 

 

Though the OP must be young for salary talk is like paying poker. Employers bluff. The employee does not realize this is a bluff and takes their statement as fact.

 

 

So OP not realizing the ways of the world thinks was lied to and insulted.

 

 

Businesses just play games just as the OP played games with pay me more or I will leave.

 

 

My question to the OP if you believed them at first why did you threaten them that you would leave? After all you believed they could not afford to pay you more.