I'm a remote employee whose managers are based in a completely different state (wage laws, cost of living, etc.) I started as a temp in 2020 and was hired as a permanent employee in 2021 and my department was based in my home state, so I didn't experience a pay cut.

Anonymous

November 15,2022 at 2:14PM UTC

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I'm a remote employee whose managers are based in a completely different state (wage laws, cost of living, etc.) I started as a temp in 2020 and was hired as a permanent employee in 2021 and my department was based in my home state, so I didn't experience a pay cut. Apparently the temps in my new department office base do receive a pay cut if they become permanent due to state laws allowing it. I had to cut my hours down from 40 to 30hrs/week due to my mental health.

Because I'm remote I only communicate with my managers through email. I know it's definitely not the ideal way to do so, but I had to tell my managers that I need a pay raise through email. It's also the absolute worst time to ask because we are absolutely slammed with work, but my income is barely covering my necessary expenses, I even had to stop seeing my therapist because it cost too much (which I mentioned), so I had to. I sent my initial email October 28th, and there was a little back and forth and I ended up sending my last email about it November 7th. There hasn't been any response as of EOD November 14th and I was wondering when/how to follow up? Or do I even follow up? I definitely want to because I need money to go to therapy, and going back to 40hrs/week or even 35 isn't feasible at this time.

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AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 2:41PM UTC
First, let me say that I am sorry you are facing mental health challenges. That is always difficult and I hope that you are able to get the help that you need.
Having said that, I want to give a realistic perspective. While your employer should be concerned with your mental and financial well being, they also have to consider the company need in wage increase decisions. So from that perspective, you are asking for a raise right after decreasing your hours, which means they are getting less productivity in a time when they need more productivity. Second, they are giving pay decreases to other employees because the law allows it, which is a crappy thing to do, but it is what it is. So from their perspective, you are giving them less than others and asking for more than others receive. As an HR person, I always ask employees to tell me why they deserve a raise based on what they do at work, not what they need for their personal lives. Tell me what you do at work to justify getting more than what others get. What do you do above and beyond your normal job. If you want your manager to be more considerate of providing an increase, don't only tell them why you need it, tell them why you deserve it and your results will be better.
If that doesn't work, you may need to find a different position that aligns more with the hours and stress level you need, but also offers more money that meets your financial needs. Remember your mental and financial health is what is most important, but that is not 100% on your employer to provide. If this job doesn't work for you, find one that will. You control your life.
AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 5:59PM UTC
Thank you, and I do totally understand from the company's pov that they are getting less work from me overall, but I did do the math and even if they gave me a raise of $3-4/hr I would still be making less than if I worked 40hrs/week. I know they're probably thinking they can't because if/when I go back to 40hrs it would be too much if they kept me at the same rate, which I get, but it's not like I'm not willing to learn and do more when I'm able.
I am also looking for a role that would work for me, but that's taking some time and also it's a bit daunting to think I might have to go a full 40 hrs at an unknown place without knowing whether I could truly handle it or not.
AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 4:31PM UTC
I would call and keep emailing so you have a record. Keep asking.
AnonymousNovember 15,2022 at 6:12PM UTC
Since your only communication is via email, you're stuck with that.
Trust me they received your request but it may take awhile.
Crystal HowellNovember 16,2022 at 8:40PM UTC
Sometimes you have to know when to fold and when to hold, this is a losing battle. Pick your next job very carefully and in state.
AnonymousNovember 17,2022 at 1:12PM UTC
Thank you; it was actually in state and on site when I started in 2020, but it then became remote and they then moved my department's main operations to KY. The only reason I still have a job in that department is because the position was converted to fully remote and those of us who were working in the department before the move were grandfathered in and allowed to stay on. The jobs/companies I'm looking at are mainly in state or states with similar wage laws.