I have something I just need to get off of my chest.

Anonymous

May 24,2022 at 6:19PM UTC

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I have something I just need to get off of my chest. I have been working at my job for a little over a year now. I absolutely love the job, my supervisor, and everyone I work with. I don't want to leave. However, I took a pay cut to take this job because I KNEW I'd love it. The only reason I took the pay cut was that the business partner in HR promised me a title promotion and a raise after one year. I stupidly didn't ask for the offer in writing, and he left before my one-year mark. Imagine my surprise when one year came around and nobody had any memory of the offer, and there was no proof!

I have talked to my supervisor about all of this, and she tried to get me a raise, all to no avail. They told her I'm at the top of my salary cap, and the only way to get me one would be to issue a market raise across the board for everyone at my level. She has made it very clear to me multiple times that she does not want to lose me as an employee.

I am a single parent, and my salary is barely paying the bills. There is nothing left over for food, household needs, gas for the car, or an emergency fund. I have tried getting a second job, but I have a master's degree and am finding that nobody will hire me because I'm overqualified.

I'm at the point where I have to start looking for a job that will pay more, and my heart is broken. What should I do?

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Almira AlmonteMay 24,2022 at 7:05PM UTC
I'm sorry you have to go through all this. It must be really frustrating! However, there's always a way out I believe. Have you start looking for a new job? If not, you have to as it takes time to do that(the process etc). Start polishing your resume, editing, and adding/removing as necessary experiences you have. When you said you are overqualified, I do feel the same sometimes but I try not to think that way because I left my old job for a reason. I'd just say, start looking for a new job without letting go of this current job you have. You deserve better wage!
AnonymousMay 24,2022 at 7:27PM UTC
You should always do what's right for you and your family. Jobs come and go - believe me, if the company needed to reduce headcount, they won't hesitate to do so without batting an eye. If there's no opportunity for promotion and they've said no raise, then it's probably time to put yourself first. It's sad leaving a job you love but I'd suggest making list of what you love about it and look for that in your next role. Side note - if you do find a new role for a higher salary and give notice, you will quickly learn if they actually did have budget/promotion opportunities if they try to retain you. That will be super frustrating for you but it might reinforce your decision to leave. If they can't appreciate you when you're there, they probably don't deserve you. Good luck.
AnonymousMay 24,2022 at 7:42PM UTC
That's a really great point. Thank you!
AnonymousMay 24,2022 at 7:52PM UTC
So sorry this has happened. Unfortunately finding a new job will be your answer.
Survival must take priority since you haven't had luck with a 2nd job.
I hope you find a great job that pays you what you need.
Stephanie KellyMay 24,2022 at 8:11PM UTC
That is frustrating to say the least. A good lesson for the future though - and for anyone reading this who may face a similar situation.
I have two thoughts regarding what to do next...
1) If you want to stay where you're at but still push for the raise and promotion: Did they give you timing or requirements needed to get the promotion you're going for? Perhaps the raise/promotion is closer than you think? If it's not, that might give you clarity on how long you're willing to stay at the current job. Also, I'm sure your manager has done whatever she could, but I'm wondering if there's an opportunity to talk to anyone else? Maybe the department head? Or your HR contact? The best person to advocate for your needs is you.
2) I know you said you don't want to leave your job because you love the job and the people so much. Here are a couple questions about that. It sounds like a part of you believes that you won't find the same combination of people at a different job... is that true? Are the people you're currently working with worth the stress you're facing financially? Are there ways you could stay in touch with them, if you did decide to leave your position? Also, instead of focusing on what you don't want (to leave the job and the people), what if you focused on what you do want? What would have to be true for you to have no problem quitting this job for a new one? What specifically do you love about this job... and which of those things can you find in a different job? For example... although the specific people you work with now will not be at the new job, you could probably find a new role where you feel connected to your colleagues.
Good luck!!
AnonymousMay 25,2022 at 7:07PM UTC
This is amazing advice.
I'll think about all of this. Thank you.
Stephanie KellyJune 27,2022 at 1:08PM UTC
So glad you found it helpful! It's been about a month since your original post, how are things going now?
AnonymousMay 24,2022 at 8:14PM UTC
Find a job that pays more. If they value you they would promote you. Promises mean nothing actions are everything. You mentioned it and people are playing stupid. You got the answer you needed to move on … so do just that
Barb HansenMay 24,2022 at 8:37PM UTC
Start looking for another job immediately.
You do not need to justify your reasons for deserving a higher wage.
If your current company can't afford to pay you what you are worth, then it's time to move on.
If your current company promised you a raise at your one year anniversary and they either can't pay or won't pay you the amount promised, then it's time to move on.
Wish them well and thank them for the experience that you gained while working there, and move on.
AnonymousMay 25,2022 at 7:06PM UTC
Thank you. I'm doing just that. They're scrambling to get something together for an offer, but I'm still looking elsewhere just in case it isn't good enough.
AnonymousMay 24,2022 at 8:45PM UTC
As much as you love this job, they don't love you equally in return. That's the bottom line. You're compromising your security and your families welfare to appease a boss who COULD give you a raise if they really wanted to. The "our hands are tied because it's policy" is nonsense. Who set the policy? They can change it. I left a job in December where I loved the people I worked with but not the management. It was hard but I can honestly say I'm less stressed having more money to pay bills. And the people I loved I can still call. Best wishes to you!
Kimberley Ferretti HammettMay 24,2022 at 8:48PM UTC
So you mentioned that the previous supervisor promised a title change in addition to the raise. If your title was changed, wouldn't that change your level and salary cap? If the level of talent you are able to provide is higher than the job description you were hired with, then an elevation shouldn't be out of the cards. Either the company is tying the supervisors hands or they just aren't thinking outside the box. I would suggest you look into alternative titles (even just adding Sr. to the top of your current title?) and job descriptions that more closely describe what you/talents you have do and research their salary ranges. Provide this to your supervisor and/or HR and request a Role and Compensation review. I understand salary caps but they also have the ability to create a new role for you with a different range if they really value you as they say.
Meanwhile, you're already researching other titles and salaries, if anything catches your eye even a little start applying. Going through the interview process doesn't mean you have to accept an offer if given one. See what opportunities lie out there, you need to do what is best for you and your family and this whole process may be a blessing in disguise to lead you to something even better!
In the future, even if you were to get something in writing, I would encourage you to think differently about accepting a position with the hopes of a raise in the future. I say this as someone who has fallen into this many times myself.. if they are that confident in your value at the time of hire, they should compensate you that way immediately. It's MUCH harder to get the proper approvals once you're hired into a certain range. When I say think differently I mean that this is a transaction. You bring your talents and results and in return they provide you with a great work environment and proper compensation. You deserve BOTH, otherwise you're just doing them a favor.
AnonymousMay 25,2022 at 7:04PM UTC
Thank you. This is exactly what I needed to hear. You're correct in your thinking that the HR business partner offered a title promotion in my offer so that they could give a raise at one year. The title promotion was in order to give the raise.
I'm an honest and straightforward person, so yesterday after I posted this I gathered up some courage and went and told my supervisor that I'm searching for another job starting right then. She panicked and is now invoking every favor she's ever earned to get this going. Thankfully, she has a lot of clout in this company, and when she really wants something, they listen. She is getting them to offer me that title promotion.
Not only does it come with more responsibility, but it'll come with a raise. I've also told her that I won't accept it if I can't live off of it. I'll still leave in that case. I won't just accept anything. I'm worth more than this. You've really bolstered my confidence. Thank you.
Kimberley Ferretti HammettMay 25,2022 at 11:10PM UTC
This makes me soo happy! I am so glad you advocated for yourself and in turn have a champion that is supporting you. Whatever happens, this is a win and I am wishing you the best!
Mali Ilse PaquinMay 27,2022 at 2:49PM UTC
Wow! The power of that little sentence: "I'm looking for another job." I'm taking note of that. I'm very happy for you, you are for sure a great employee.
AnonymousMay 25,2022 at 1:58PM UTC
Move on. If you are worth more, then find a place that values what you have to offer.
Meanwhile, join the gig economy if you can. You can do WFH jobs like transcribing, or delivery services. That can ease the pressure for you.
Barbara NegronMay 25,2022 at 8:27PM UTC
I agree with others in the comments, it may be time to consider moving on. There are many opportunities and if they are unable to compensate your value a different company may.
AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 1:02PM UTC
Being in HR, I know that it is always possible to make adjustments to a job title and offer an increase. We do it all the time as we reorg or restructure departments, jobs, levels, etc. And it is bogus that it would need to be done across the board for everyone at your level. As someone indicated, they can add a Sr or Lead or just totally restructure the position to match your current or stretch duties. Now if the company doesn't have to money to do this, then that is a different and yet another reason to start looking because it is going down fast.
I read your update and congrats! Keep your feelers out in the market just in case they cannot elevate your pay but at least your supervisor knows that you are serious about this and hopefully the supervisor can make it happen. And as someone else mentioned, get your title and pay on the front end because promises can be broken, written or not.
AnonymousMay 27,2022 at 7:39PM UTC
I did the same thing. I worked a part time job (just on Saturdays) the firsts year to help pay the bills, but the place closed and it's been tough. I have looked at other options and worked again at another part time job, but the part time boss wanted me to quit and work for them full time. I didn't want to do that, so I had to quit the part time (I was working 75 hrs a week and just couldn't do that). I am holding out because I love where I work and all the people I work with. I will be able to draw my SS next month which should take the load off. Glad you are able to work something out.
Liz MilneMay 28,2022 at 2:11AM UTC
Is there another small task you can be assigned that you can manage alongside your existing duties that would justify your manager authorising a pay bump to make you a bit more comfortable? I'd have a conversation with her: if she really wants you to stay, she should be prepared to fight for you?