sapphirerain Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 So I have been at my current job almost 2 years. In 2012 I increased new business by 108% and my average retention was 96%. I also took over another job while my co-worker was on maternity leave. For these reasons alone I feel like I should get some sort of raise as I have yet to get one. When I approached my manager about this she said she will not approach my boss until the agency is "in the green." It is not my fault, judging by the numbers, that we are not in the green. I would really like to know where the money goes. So, I am wondering if I should go above my manager to the owner to get what I want or start looking for another job.
UpwardForward Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 You've planted the seed that you wish to have a raise. I'd give it another year, unless you feel those less productive are making more. Imo, the economy is bad. But you can still keep your feelers out for a better paying position. And document that you asked. i.e. time, day, conversation, etc.
clia Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 It's good that you know your value to the company, and it sounds like you are doing a great job. However, there is a lot more than just what you are doing that goes into running the company. Your attitude that it's not your fault that the company isn't in the green is one that I hope you haven't shared with your manager. Where the money goes is likely to things like overhead -- office lease, salaries, electric, water, equipment, health care, 401(k), social security, maternity leave, worker's comp, ...you would be shocked at how much this stuff costs and it adds up big time. You can certainly go over your manager's head, but I wouldn't do so unless you are prepared to walk because she is going to be very angry at you for doing so. I mean, if you aren't happy with your salary you are free to go somewhere else where they will pay you more. 2
CarrieT Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 I was exactly like you once; at a catering company, I brought FOUR TIMES the number of events as my co-workers who were all making double what I was. I brought that fact to my boss and nothing changed. I went over my boss's head (complete with proof in the form of all the contracts I had signed versus everyone else), and it totally backfired on me. Made me look like a turncoat and not a team player. I was out of a job within six weeks because the hellish atmosphere that was created. Don't do it.
TheFinalWord Posted January 21, 2013 Posted January 21, 2013 So I have been at my current job almost 2 years. In 2012 I increased new business by 108% and my average retention was 96%. I also took over another job while my co-worker was on maternity leave. For these reasons alone I feel like I should get some sort of raise as I have yet to get one. When I approached my manager about this she said she will not approach my boss until the agency is "in the green." It is not my fault, judging by the numbers, that we are not in the green. I would really like to know where the money goes. So, I am wondering if I should go above my manager to the owner to get what I want or start looking for another job. Typically, if you go over the immediate manager it is seen as disrespectful. I would advise asking the manager when they expect the agency to be in the green. Then at least you have a benchmark to work with; just stating "when we are in the green" is too nebulous IMHO. Then if the date passes, you can ask your manager again. If excuses or unreasonable new benchmarks are given, you can then start putting your feelers out there for another job. If you decide to find another job, I personally would not burn a bridge with your current manager, as you may need him or her for a reference. Basically, if you outgrow your position, a quality organization will believe they are wasting your talents in your current position and will reward your work, either through a promotion or a solid raise. If they do not have the resources for it, then you may have outgrown the company in which case it is good to find a new organization in which you can grow and prosper. If you have annual reviews I think it is better to bring these things up during these occasions. For example, you can show how you have improved and demonstrate how you have raised the bottom line. Having evidence for why you deserve a raise or promotion puts you in a more solid position.
Author sapphirerain Posted January 23, 2013 Author Posted January 23, 2013 Great responses from everyone so thank you. I talked with her again and I was shocked to find out that our "free" monthly lunches and incentive contests are coming out of our budget. Not a seperate agency fund. I think that is unfair as I would give up those things if that meant I would be in the green. Plus utilities and other overhead is split by 3 since there are 3 agencies. Nothing is done by the book and there aren't any written procedures for anything so that is adding to my frustration. There aren't performance reviews or anything. Even my manager told me she has been there 7 years and never got a raise. She is a pushover though so that is why I thought maybe going to the owner myself might be best. If she won't go to him for herself I don't think she would for me either. I am going to let it go for awhile since that seems to be the consensus. I am keeping my eye out though because I only have 4 classes until I will have my BSBA.
TheFinalWord Posted January 23, 2013 Posted January 23, 2013 Great responses from everyone so thank you. I talked with her again and I was shocked to find out that our "free" monthly lunches and incentive contests are coming out of our budget. Not a seperate agency fund. I think that is unfair as I would give up those things if that meant I would be in the green. Plus utilities and other overhead is split by 3 since there are 3 agencies. Nothing is done by the book and there aren't any written procedures for anything so that is adding to my frustration. There aren't performance reviews or anything. Even my manager told me she has been there 7 years and never got a raise. She is a pushover though so that is why I thought maybe going to the owner myself might be best. If she won't go to him for herself I don't think she would for me either. I am going to let it go for awhile since that seems to be the consensus. I am keeping my eye out though because I only have 4 classes until I will have my BSBA. Congrats on almost finishing your degree! When looking at any interim job, I always consider it from two angles: 1) Resume builder (Professional growth) 2) Perks/Pay If you're lucky you can have a combination of both, but normally those are the jobs that lead to careers For example let's say, a job doesn't have much pay, but the experience will be helpful for launching you into your next set of personal goals. It may be worth taking the lower paying job for the experience (i.e. internship or entry level position). Or, if the job isn't helpful for your goals for professional growth but has good benefits, such as joining the reserves for college tuition. If a job has neither of these, I recommend extracting as much experience as possible from this job with the explicit goal to build your resume. Perhaps try not to focus much on the paycheck as this does not seem like a company that is worth the hassle. Instead, focus on completing your degree and begin forming new goals and where you want to go with your career. Before asking for new responsibilities at your job, ask yourself if it can be listed as a bullet on your resume If so, do it, but set new goals to move on from this job. If not, do not do it. You main focus is how can you use your experience at this job to launch the next leg of your career. Try to focus on the long term and not a short term salary. Best of luck to you!
BrokenPrincess Posted January 23, 2013 Posted January 23, 2013 That sounds like a logical plan. I wouldn't want to be finishing up school AND clamoring to learn a whole new job at the same time. Ride it out & finish your program. Then you can take your new degree and find something else that would be a more stable environment to progress your career and start the next chapter of your life.
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