I cannot un-know that my peers make 30k+ more than me.

Question

My boss and mentor recently left my Company to pursue her own dream of starting a small consulting firm. Always one to advocate on my behalf, she informed me, a few days after leaving, that three of my peers make 30k more than me (2 men, 1 woman). I have deliberated all kinds of scenarios in my head for how to approach this, from saying nothing and simply leaving, to screaming it from the roof-tops and demanding retribution. All three have been there longer, though I would argue our value is equal (as are our titles and band levels). And, if I'm being honest, I know I'm the strongest asset to the Company in the long-term. I do plan to discuss with my new boss, though he's a rule-follower and not one to really rock the boat. I also spoke with Advice and Counsel, who were conciliatory, though did not strike me as ready to make any moves. What do I do?

Anonymous · Answer

Ask for a raise! Make a list of everything you've accomplished at your job and write down any praise or compliments you've been given to help your case. If you can walk in and ask for a raise based on merit and the work you've done you're more likely to get it than asking for a raise based on what others are making.

Alison · Answer

As a hiring manager, I can tell you there are a lot of different factors that determine pay, including location, experience, additional education or credentials, etc.  It's important to understand the criteria of how entry pay and raises are determined at your company first, so you can put together the right strategy.

For example, if pay is determined by years of experience in role, and you have a colleague with 10 more years of experience than you, even though you both do the same job today, the policy may be that more experienced person deserves a higher salary.  Or you may all have similar experience, but someone has an advanced degree or management experience, or had more relevant experience to the role coming in, and because of that, your initial offer wasn't as strong.  Or you may live and work in Charlotte and your colleagues in San Francisco, and there are adjustments for cost of living.  The first thing is to understand the system you are trying to change - you have to determine if you were given an unfair offer below market value, or if the policies are the issue because they don't work to your benefit (and if you can look at advocating for new policies).

Payscale has a great survey you take, then print out the results, that gives a salary range based on what you report for your experience, education, and location.  But if all things are equal, and everyone has similar experience, education, and works in the same office, then you should advocate for a major raise and decide if you want to take your experience and talent somewhere else if they don't give it to you.

Full transparency - you may have to be prepared though that the policies may be your worst enemy, and while the formula may be broken, it's still the formula, and see how you can advocate for change.  I had a previous experience at a company where years of experience determined the salary, and when I was a brand new manager, even though my duties were the same, I was in a group of people that had been managing for 15+ years, and the pay difference reflected that.  It wasn't right, but it technically was aligned with their policies and not a violation.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

Anonymous · Answer

I am in a similar situation. Mostly due to the person I work with telling me how much they make. I then knew they were asking for a raise because they told me. I then later found out through the grape vine that they received that raise. This person has far less experience and years than myself. They now make more than I do.

At first I was really annoyed because they gave me such a hard time when I received my promotion to get more money. I decided that it didn't matter because I was looking for a new job anyway. Then I thought you know what?? I'm going to ask for a raise and get paid what I know I deserve. If you don't ask then you never know right?

Ask for a raise and come with all your accomplishments and research from site likes Glassdoor, Payscale, and Linkedin Salary.

Good luck!

I cannot un-know that my peers make 30k+ more than me.

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