I am over worked and under paid for my position.

15 Comments

1. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 26,2023 at 7:05PM UTC

   Why are you still working at a company that treats you this way?

2. AnonymousJune 26,2023 at 7:15PM UTC

   Please try to leave, i was in the similar situation and ended up so over worked and tired and annoyed, my productivity went down a bit and i was put on performance plan by my manager even though i was still working very hard, just not as hard as before! I eventually left and so happy now

3. Debra SesholtzJune 26,2023 at 8:05PM UTC

   Being overworked and underpaid is never ideal. It sounds like at least you have HR on your side. You met HR and the GM, but what was the result? Did they agree to raise your pay? Have you discussed with your direct manager about getting the training you need? If you love your job, you can try to work out something that is equitable…more pay, less work, hire additional help. If you can’t work something out, you can always look elsewhere.

4. AnonymousJune 26,2023 at 9:19PM UTC

   Don't stay. It will get worse....I know from experience.

   They don't value you and will make excuses from here to the moon while they can't help the situation in any way WHILE blaming you in the process in one fashion or another

   Trust me, I've been there. Asked to take on a role I had no experience in and no business doing AFTER I was hired for something unrelated. Ended up doing both and failing miserably at the one because "I didn't have time to GET experience" (hired as accounting, asked to be LEAD HR)

   I should have left after a week. But I wasn't leaving until I found a better opportunity.

5. KatJune 26,2023 at 9:42PM UTC

   Do a salary comparison for someone with your same level title and duties at outside companies. If you're not making that amount and they're not willing to come up to that amount, then it's time to look for opportunities elsewhere that will pay what you're worth. I highly doubt you're only being underpaid by 3K considering all the extra work you're doing. If you love your job, you'll love it even more when you're paid accordingly for it.

6. AnonymousJune 26,2023 at 9:45PM UTC

   Your scenario seems to be everywhere you look. Companies are overworking their staff as a normal demand these days.

   There doesn't seem to be a concern for burnout or mental health.

   I'm glad you love what you do. That is at least something.

   Unfortunately there is little you can do. Your HR person has advocated for you and you have had a chance to request more $. I'm not sure there is much left except to get another offer from outside the company and try and use that as leverage. Not great advice but I don't see any other way.

7. AnonymousJune 26,2023 at 9:49PM UTC

   If you accepted a different salary why are you at this point now? Is there an offer letter/email to fall back on? Who offered that? I would focus on that first. Often when people run market salary ranges they aren't equating the job to the tasks. Are you really doing 2 person 80 hour/week job or does it feel that way through perception. Break down their asks that don't align with job description and don't fall under other tasks that aren't outside the growth ask. Perceptions matter, just prepare yourself to speak to it. Not clear when you say 'previous experience' and current position mention, doesn't seem relevant or maybe it's the wording. good luck

8. AnonymousJune 26,2023 at 10:38PM UTC

   Did the CEO approve the $3 more per hour increase? If so, you can start there and negotiate for a step up schedule for additional reviews and increases.

9. AnonymousJune 27,2023 at 1:07PM UTC

   In today's economic climate, let me be the first to say, 'Welcome to the World right now in job issues" club. The amount of 'not properly trained', is subjective. It needs to be a 2 way street and wish for more empowered new employees to own and voice how they learn and to also gauge their own progress, that takes ownership. It's trackable and hey, sometimes a new task comes a long. Growth with it. Or quit, because you have choices. Now, don't take it as this is an all YOU issue, clearly it is not. But be empowered, have those conversations. Your expectations are skewed from theirs, clearly, communicate and talk it out.

10. Mary PoolJune 27,2023 at 1:19PM UTC

    Companies will take advantage if they can; it is the nature of the beast. When you received the new responsibilities, did you accept them without comment? Did you ask for compensation at the time? If not, then what did you expect? You were hired for one job when they added responsibilities previously belonging to someone else; that was the time to negotiate new terms. The time to ask for compensation and set boundaries is when the new assignments are given, not at a later date.

    Now, you have three options: revert to your original job assignments, and refer anyone who wants other work done outside of those assignments back to your manager, saying that work is not within your purview. Will there be pushback? Of course, but consider this, they are already down a person; can they afford to be down two? If yes, then this is not a good idea. If not, consider it while looking for another position. Second, accept the situation as it is and be happy you enjoy your work and environment. Third, look for another job.

    No matter your choice, I’d have my resume out to see what is available. If your job market is tight, I’d consider option two while having feelers out for another position.

11. Sarah BordersJune 27,2023 at 2:30PM UTC

    There’s a lot to unpack here, and I think clarification would be helpful. When you say, “They are not even honoring my original pay,” what do you mean? Do you mean that you tried to negotiate your pay originally, but they settled on a lower rate? Do you mean that they offered officially (in writing) to pay you one rate, but instead are paying you a lower rate?

    The first situation is unfortunate, but common; the second one is illegal. Also, are you underpaid by $3k per year, or $3 per hour? Both situations are frustrating, but $3 per hour is about twice as underpaid as $3k per year, and the more egregious the underpayment, the better your chance of negotiating an increase can be. How long have you been with this company? Timing is everything for conversations like these, and annual reviews are ideal opportunities.

    If you’re not already documenting details related to conversations had about this situation—your underpayment, your lack of training, etc., start now. As someone else suggested, research pay for people with your responsibilities in your location, and document that source. PayScale or Glassdoor can help, but depending on the role, you may need to tack on 10-20% additional pay to their estimates. The more evidence and less emotion you bring to the discussion (i.e., do not lead with the fact that you are doing the work of two people), the better your outcomes could be. Make it simply about the responsibilities of the role and what fair compensation for that work looks like.

    If your conversations are unfruitful, look for other opportunities elsewhere. You say that you love what you do, but I’ll wager you could do what you love for another employer who will pay you and train you appropriately for the work. Good luck!

12. AnonymousJune 27,2023 at 4:23PM UTC

    A company can change your pay at any time given their financial situation. You however don't have to accept it. If you think you are underpaid then it's time to look for a new job. Clearly they are not valuing you at the rate agreed upon when you were hired. Time to move on.

13. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdJune 28,2023 at 1:13PM UTC

    While I'm sorry for your frustration, unfortunately there are thousands of people in your same position.

    If what you're doing now truly can't be done by just 1 person, then you have every right to ask the company for compensation - or let them know you're unable to handle the workload.

    You mention "original pay". Is this what you were told you'd be paid? If it's the former, did you get the salary promise in writing? I'm going to assume not since you've stated they're not honoring anything.

    Or, by "original pay" Do you mean what the posted job pay shows? If this is the case, the company doesn't necessarily have to pay this amount. They would post a salary for someone who met every one of their criteria, and adjust it based on experience.

    If you feel you're not going to be paid what you feel you're worth, then it may be you'll need to look for another job. Or, you can stay where you are and document all that you do - showing them just how underpaid you are.

14. Patricia CrookJune 28,2023 at 1:31PM UTC

    I'm sorry to hear of your situation. Sadly, this occurs in so many companies due to various factors. In order to save money, companies end up pushing tasks onto those who stay and it becomes a lot on your plate. I think you either have to negotiate with your original job description and draw a line in the sand. However, be aware this could be seen as a red flag to your employer. Document everything but update your resume just in case.

15. AnonymousJune 29,2023 at 4:13AM UTC

    I work in a daycare for low pay. Everyone has quit and I am doing their jobs as they cannot find anyone. No raise. Kids throw things at me and spit and there is nothing I can do. I am in my 60's and have pain and cannot quit. Get home at 7:00 pm exhausted. Very difficult as no one wants to work since the pandemic and the people who stick it out are punished. I think it is a problem everywhere now. It is best not to complain as no one wants to hear it. So I don't.