I have been with my company for over a year and a half and received a promotion and pay increase.

I have been with my company for over a year and a half and received a promotion and pay increase. There are three senior members on the team than me (in time at the company).

I just heard from my manager that she would like me to take over all her responsibilities while she's out on leave for 3 months. I don't think it will be a heavy lift or ask, but I will now be leading and representing the team. Normally this would be a "Manager" title at my company. She didn't mention any change in pay.

My questions:

1) Should I ask if I will be compensated differently?

2) And what's the best way to bring this up?

I am really excited to do this and hope that it will merit the title change and pay increase, but it feels awkward asking before they've mentioned it.

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16 Comments

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  1. Amy

    I was in charge for a month and ahead of that asked for a raise for that time. I got a bonus amount paid. So not really a raise, but extra pay.

    Have a list of the tasks/responsibilities you will be leading during that time. This way you are confirming while bringing up the compensation. I find it best to be direct when asking. Your extra responsibilities on top of what you already do will be the backup to your ask.

    Good luck and don't wait to ask, do it sooner than later!

  2. BrandieFarmer

    No. Take on the responsibilities show case you willingness to accept the call. In hindsight, this will provide a chance to showcase your abilities to step into another role use this as exposure experience gaining upon her return let her know how influential she has been and by watching her assisted, managing the task. As and when a promotion comes up you maybe considered first above all because of your initiative without incentive. I would not expect a promotion tho as a result but I’ll hold with me a personal goal to move up —don’t expect it. What do you think?

  3. Anonymous

    This was my initial thought that they are happy with my work, leadership, and ability to do a great job. I do think it would potentially lead to a promotion and pay increase, depending on how I handle these responsibilities. I've heard from other people that it's not unheard of to ask for a "supplement" or a "bonus" for the additional responsibilities. The worst that can happen is they say no.

  4. Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | Recruiter

    This sounds to me like they are complimenting you for decreasing your pay.

    seriously - more work for the same pay is .. a demotion.

    I'd ask to have a one-to-one with her to go over the parameters of her ask.

    In that meeting with her

    ask her specifically

    1. What outcomes, specifically, am I responsible for and what happens if I have to choose between the job you hired me to do and getting this job done?
    2. What is the new chain of command I should follow?
    3. What specific traits of mine made you ask me to take on this role?
    4. Who will I be reporting to in your absence?
    5. If this is a job you do full-time and I already have a full-time job, how will I be compensated for doing two full-time jobs? (or what parts of your job am I not to do?)
    6. What objectives will my performance be judged upon?

    This can be a slippery slope to being taken advantage of.

    I see your heading is that you have been promoted and gotten a pay increase - so my guess is that you do great work and in less time than it takes other to do the same job - so they may assume you are bored. If you are, say so and ask what their plan is to keep you engaged with meaningful work? And what will they do to help you manage your career progression with them?

  5. Paulla Fetzek, MSEd

    First, congratulations! It says a lot about you and your work ethic that you're being asked to take these responsibilities.

    In regard to compensation - for me personally, only being with a company for 18 months, I wouldn't ask if there's a pay change. But keep in mind I'm "old school" and have been in the workforce for over 30 years. ;)

    This may be a test to see how you'll handle the responsibilities - and it could lead to a higher position (and pay!) later. Plus, it's only 3 months. If the position should happen to go longer than that - then you might ask if there will be any compensation for your continued extra workload.

  6. Anonymous

    My question is...if there are three senior people WHY aren't they taking a leadership role? Be careful and thoroughly explore the expectations, beginning and end dates. You may be the easy dumping ground. I'm guessing there's no additional comp for this just a test to see if you're a team player or a door mat.

  7. Anonymous

    Agree 100%. it would be EXPECTED for the others in leadership to step up and cover.

  8. Anonymous

    I'm the original poster - for the other three - 1) refused, she's happy in her role and doesn't want advancement or any other responsibilities, she's looking to retire soon 2) one is on maternity leave and would not be back in time to take over the additional responsibilities, and has said she doesn't want it 3) last person was not asked for "not being a leader or people manager"

  9. GirlBossanova934974

    As one commentator has asked, why aren't the existing managers taking on these extra tasks for 90 days? As a business owner myself, that is where I would be asking. Asking a newer employee to take on extra tasks for 90 days sounds convenient but in my view, it is a way to avoid paying a few extra bucks for 90 days.

  10. Michelle Sisko

    In my organization this would be seen as a stretch opportunity for you to learn and for the upper management to see how you work as a manager. This is a sign that they are looking at you for future advancement and is an opportunity for you to shine. You would not get a change in title or compensation while you are doing the work, but we have a recognition program where you would receive a letter of accomplishment which includes a cash ‘gift’. The letter of accomplishment is a big deal at review time and usually sets you up for a larger bonus than you would have normally been considered for.

    I would suggest you check with your HR department to see if they have some kind of recognition program that you would be eligible for.

  11. Dcre1977

    This is an opportunity to show your leadership skills. A lot of companies want to see that before they promote you to management.

  12. Anonymous

    your title says that you received a title and pay increase. I am confused.

  13. Anonymous

    A title change or increase in salary is normally not done when you are filling in on a temporary basis because your boss is going on leave, especially since you already received a promotion/pay raise for your current postion. If you do a good job covering for your boss then you may get a bump in rating/bonus for next year in appreciation.

  14. Anonymous

    This is a great way to show that you’re ready for the next promotion. As a leader, I’ve often given people on my team the opportunity to take on more responsibility and then I’m able to make the case for their promotion afterwards. It’s not always easy to get your people promoted, but with good examples and business cases for it I’ve been able to get it done. I would look at this as an opportunity to show you can do it.

  15. Mary Cucinell

    Agree 100% with Mandy. It is a great opportunity to show what you can do and that you are prepared for a leadership role, they may want to be prepared to have someone step into the role if your manager does not return after the 3 month leave.

    If you decide to do it make sure you document everything you are doing so you have it for your next performance review and if other opportunities come up within the organization that is of interest. It is also good to document what you do so you have it for future job hunting and your resume.

    Good luck and let us know what you decide.

  16. Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career Coach

    I would ask - and also share with her what YOU want to get out of it that will set you up for your next role or a similar role.. so you don't come to the end of 3 months and feel like you didn't get what you needed out of it but covered off for someone else.

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