I've been with the same company for five years.

Anonymous

July 22,2022 at 6:43PM UTC

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I've been with the same company for five years. I have learned the ins and outs and worked hard to create a good reputation. I have four job titles. My annual bonus has never been more than $250. My Male counterpart, with one job title, is salaried (I'm hourly) and gets regular annual bonuses of $3-5k. I've spoken to my boss, who say's he's "working on it" and that it would be "well deserved". Boss has also requested that I do not take vacations of more than 3-5 days because "the place would fall apart". We have about 150 employees and I am in administration positions. Our HR department is non-existent: they can't keep anyone for more than 3 or 4 months at a time, and right now the ENTIRE HR department is on vacation (really bad idea).

Anyhow - I'm crazy overworked. I'm exhausted. I've asked many times for help, which has been promised for months, but never fulfilled. I feel like the company doormat.

Where's my big bonus? Why do I have vacation limits when coworkers do not? How do I get any kind of REAL recognition for my work?

I'm just so frustrated!! Help!

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AnonymousJuly 22,2022 at 6:51PM UTC
Unfortunately this is as good as it gets unless you get an offer from another company and use that as leverage to get more$
Your boss would then give you the bare minimum and a cake.
Honestly you boss doesn't recognize your value and pays you lip service to keep you there in a small role.
He manages to take of the others.
JenniferJuly 23,2022 at 5:19AM UTC
Nah, never stick around because your old company suddenly realizes your worth because you want to leave. The overwhelming majority of people who accept their company's counteroffer and stay are dissatisfied with their decision and begin looking for a new position again. I think a lot of the time the company makes a "we can only do this much NOW, but at annual review we'll be able to do more" promise that never comes to fruition. Even if the employee is suddenly given what they've been asking for, and deserved, for years, it can still feel like an insult. It's pretty much acknowledging that the promotion/raise was always possible, the company just chose not to do it.
AnonymousJuly 22,2022 at 6:59PM UTC
It seems like after 5 years you got the answer you needed. Now that you know, what are you going to do about it? I would put in for bids elsewhere and before you give 2 weeks notice see if you can use that as a bargaining chip to get a pay bump that you know that you deserve. but it seems even if you did get the pay bump, it still does not resolve the poor work life balance. So 5 years is long enough to tolerate a toxic or undervalued workplace. You outgrew your position with no incentive or reward carrot to keep you there. So find your next carrot and move on.
AnonymousJuly 22,2022 at 7:39PM UTC
I would just start applying to other jobs immediately; adding the extra load of applying/interviewing could for sure be taxing, but worth it to get out of that environment.
Even if your current company is backed into a corner based on an outside offer and agrees to a raise/bonus/else, they'll still put up a fight every step of the way toward any future progress. They know you're extremely valuable to them but seem to feel entitled to just take advantage of that value; that attitude won't change even if you get SOME concessions.
I'd love to say there's something you can say or do to resolve this without leaving your company, but you've already had the conversations and they're fully aware of what they're doing.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJuly 22,2022 at 8:31PM UTC
Why in the world are you still working at a company that is so clearly taking advantage of you and treating you so poorly.
Not for nothing, but $250 is not a bonus. It's the least possible amount of money they could give you to make you think they're giving you a bonus.
You need to fire that resume up and kick that job search into high gear ASAP.
And I will warn you now - this is exactly the type of company that will try to make you a counter offer when you turn in your resignation - they will make you promises and lie to you right to your face. DO NOT FALL FOR IT.
And don't be surprised if, during your job search, that you find out that you are being grossly underpaid.
Please please please understand that you have a right to be happy in your job and not treated like a second class citizen.
You're not going to be paid fairly at your current company nor are you going to get the recognition you deserve. If your boss truly believed as he told you that "everything would fall apart" without you, you wouldn't be getting $250 "bonuses". Find a company that will appreciate and reward your hard work.
GOOD LUCK and please let me know if you have any questions.
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netJuly 24,2022 at 12:21PM UTC
This is all so true and right on the mark.
AnonymousJuly 23,2022 at 12:43AM UTC
I’m confused, because if you are in HR you would know the policies that govern your work. Have you not presented your case within the framework of HR policy?
Rena CromerJuly 24,2022 at 12:32PM UTC
Read it again, she administrative not HR
Crystal HowellJuly 23,2022 at 12:22PM UTC
Your big bonus, you will receive when you leave and promote your self and increase income. Signing bonuses are out there for good help.
Your mental health is priority!
Melissa NobileJuly 24,2022 at 12:13PM UTC
Look for a new job… get out.
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netJuly 24,2022 at 12:20PM UTC
Time to leave this job. There are plenty of administrative jobs available--wondering why you are not leaving...
AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 12:25PM UTC
They’ve set the pattern of how they’re going to treat you. And it’s not a fair pattern or one built on respect.
I think you need to leave - you’re not going to talk sense into these people and I would not trust any of their promises. Try to find a place with a better atmosphere that treats their workers better.
Amy GeffenJuly 24,2022 at 12:26PM UTC
Agree with everyone who says, start looking for your next job NOW! Re-write your resume, network, write directly to companies. If, after two years on the new job things don't get better, leave. Five years is way too long to wait for your big bonus. Having trouble getting started? Answering ads on the internet with no responses? It is time to work with a career coach.
Debbie Walsh - SmithJuly 24,2022 at 12:37PM UTC
A year ago I walked out on a 6 year job. I was supposed to be the financial assistant. I was that and the IT contact, phone system contact,copier contact, purchasing, A/P, A/R, billing, reconciled all accounts, etc. I had 6 finance managers in 6 years. During covid I was the only person on-site daily for over 6 months. I was doing managerial duties, but the maintenance man made more per hour than I did. On a Friday, I went in tied up loose ends. Locked up my keys and any confidential items in the executive director's office. Wrote my resignation email, effective immediately, turned off the lights, locked my office, and left. Never looked back. It took the executive director 5 hours to respond. It took 6 months to find a position that was a great fit. Start looking, get out, they won't ever appreciate you.
Julie SencionJuly 24,2022 at 12:37PM UTC
It is time to leave not if ands or buts about it. They expect you to do everything you do without having to incentivize or reward (bonus) you. Starting looking right now
and make sure you write down everything you are looking for in a new role so that as you look you don’t get pulled to another place like this one.
Next, take time off . Don’t work more than 40 hours and what isn’t done can wait. Finally, unless there is a written policy that employees can’t take more than 3-5 days then remember you boss can “ask “ if you could all he wants you don’t have to do it.
The most important thing to remember is you are worth being treat with respect and to compensated appropriately for the work you are doing.
Rena CromerJuly 24,2022 at 12:39PM UTC
6 years ago I was in a similar situation in a similar position where I had too many titles and not enough pay nor respect. I too was asked to limit my vacay. Another opportunity came about and when I turned in my resignation letter my boss looked stunned and all he could say was WHY?!? I didn’t feel the need to keep explaining it to him if he hadn’t been listening the previous 5 years.
Getting out of that dead end job and into something better was entirely worth it. You’ll be happier, get paid more, get the respect you deserve and best of all, you will be able to use your vacation days!!
best of luck on your search.
Sarah RJuly 24,2022 at 12:41PM UTC
Update your resume/LinkedIn and start applying for jobs. If there is a Dress for Success in your area, they will help with your resume for free. They also offer networking opportunities. You can use services such as Rocket Reach (usually free to try) and cold contact people in the companies you choose to give them a short pitch - I applied for this job, short bullet points of my skills, please see attached for resume, would you forward to the correct person if you're not the manager? If you get to the end process, try to negotiate a hiring bonus. After 5 years there, I'm sure you're underpaid and will get a good increase plus bonus and better PTO. Do not accept a counter offer. If you use Facebook, the Women's Personal Finance Group is great for giving additional tips on negotiating salary, etc. Good luck.
Vickie Fig.July 24,2022 at 12:47PM UTC
I know some of the most overworked, under valued workers to be admin assistants. Yet they are among the most important workers in professional departments. And since they are often conscientious about their jobs and willing to go the extra mile without question or protest, they're taken advantage of by managers. You can find another job, but if it is an admin assistant job, you may only be (like our mothers say), "jumping from the frying pan into the fire". Assess your skills, and find a position where you can be paid worthily and treated (and regarded) as a valued team member. Go!
AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 12:58PM UTC
It sounds like your boss won’t learn how valuable you are until you leave. Get your resume up to date and start your job search. Check Glassdoor to see what your skills are worth. If you need to keep working during your search (as most ppl do) keep it on the down low- do not tell anyone at work about your plans. No matter how good a “friend” they are, people love drama and word could get out. By remaining where you are you continue to enable your boss to treat you unfairly. Good luck!
AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 1:03PM UTC
No more than 3-5 days vacation at a time? That is absolutely ridiculous. Start updating your resume and applying for other jobs. Your current company doesn’t appreciate you and they probably never will. In answer to your last question, you will get recognition for your work by switching to another company.
AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 1:25PM UTC
It sounds to me like your manager is taking horrible advantage of you.
why are you still there?
not even a full week vacation at a time ?
HR is Revolving door?
promises made and not kept?
not paying you what your worth?
your boss has discovered over the course of 5 years he can get away with treating you like this .
so many red flags !!
I am sure you deserve better than this , once you decide you deserve better you’ll leave what sounds like a horrible dead end unhealthy environment .
Good luck!
AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 1:36PM UTC
You already know the answer. You have good instincts. Follow your gut.
AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 5:11PM UTC
Agree!
Mhairi DunnJuly 24,2022 at 1:52PM UTC
Time for a new job, good luck with the job search you deserve something brilliant
AyianJuly 24,2022 at 2:02PM UTC
When a promise is made and not kept more than once, it's just hot air.
Get an offer from another company. If you want to stay where you are, explain that to your manager or perhaps THEIR manager as well as the fact that you got another offer for one job title, being able to take vacation, and a salary of (offer amount plus $5-$10k). They're not able to verify your offer and the budget may be present for your well deserved raise and an assistant or full time person to take on at least half of your job titles. They may tell you that if they're bringing in another person, they can't get you the padded offer you gave them and make a counteroffer that's lower, which is the point of inflating the offer to start with. If they can't commit to something your can agree to, then you have that offer standing to leave.
Meanwhile, I'm inclined to say it's alarming that the HR team is unstable. Big red flag there.
AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 2:05PM UTC
Oh, gosh.
I feel for you, and I question why you are so wedded to this company. You are not being fairly recognized or compensated.
I hope that you will consider seeking greener pastures.
JYJJuly 24,2022 at 2:37PM UTC
Time to go. If the place would fall apart without you, it should be reflected in your compensation. Get out now. You're losing money and your self esteem the longer you stay.
AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 2:50PM UTC
Sorry, but you are the company doormat. They guilt you into working insane hours so that they don't have to staff appropriately. If you have vacation accrued, take 5 days off. Then come back for another 1-2 days. Then take another 5 days off. Sometimes you have to let stuff break. What are they going to do, fire you? Then they'll still have no one to do the work. If you're willing to, you should look for another job at a place that appreciates you. It sounds like any employer would be lucky to have someone with your skill and work ethic. Good luck!
Alexandria WagnerJuly 24,2022 at 2:58PM UTC
Oh, my friend. You need to leave. They are taking advantage of you. I'm so sorry you're going through this.
AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 3:36PM UTC
You must leave.
They’ve already made it clear with 1. Hourly position 2. Inequalitable bonuses 3. Vacation limitations.
Take a vacation. Come back revitalized. Resign.
Marquisha ThomasJuly 24,2022 at 5:05PM UTC
They will definitely realize how much you did once you leave. Sounds like you need to get out of this position…I agree with what other posters are saying. Take that vacation, use it as a time to start looking for other positions and possibly interviewing, and find somewhere where you are valued.
AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 6:07PM UTC
I agree with everyone else but when u leave takes these lessons with you
1. Do not paint yourself into a corner 2. JoAT - build value and make sure u r compensated accordingly.
3. Set boundaries!
I'm sure there are more but these r the first that come to mind.
You will do well wherever u r. Embrace the journey!
AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 6:11PM UTC
I worked for a company that hired me for one purpose, with the promise that if the department improved, an assistant would be hired.
Never happened. I increased sales in that department by three times…was told to limit vacations, when I could take a vacation it took three times the duration to get things back in order, if I could took one, it was hard to be approved, but everyone else sure did. Then it was an assault on pay, reduced because of company hardship, etc. Was salaried so they worked us through lunches and breaks, on and on. Brought up these issues and more, was never listened to, and unfortunately security issues that were brought up came true…robbed twice.
Yes, it took a lot to get me outa there…my strength that is. Yes, they will never appreciate me…hired someone else for less…expecting the same output, but that’s not possible because of their rule changes. Was making 25 percent of their net, by myself. Company was offered for sale to the two store managers, but kept from me. I did not see my position ever called a manager position until I saw the ad for my replacement. Put my resignation letter in when I found something better, the owner never did read it! Had to tell the store manager I was going on the last day! Handed her my key!
I am much better of now, appreciated and earning better money! You can be too. It takes time and effort, you can do it! Put that polished resume out there and take your time, don’t share with others …it is your time to better things. I know you will be pleasantly surprised just how much better it can be, pay and culture wise. And if you are afraid it won’t work out…so what! Keep at it, it will get better with your prime effort! Go for it! You deserve to be happy!
Doyin Abike SomoyeJuly 24,2022 at 6:51PM UTC
I hate it when companies take advantage of hardworking staff. It's so unfair. You need to make the decision of leaving; try to look out for other jobs with better working conditions. You surely get peace and sanity once you leave.
AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 7:08PM UTC
this is very simple. they are going to let you work like a horse until something urgent transpires. If you're being direct wiht your boss and still not getting traction for a raise/promotion, then take that as a sign that they are in NO PARTICULAR HURRY to reward you. Move on. And, when you turn in your notice, don't be surprised if they run after you. But usually, it's a little too little, too late. And it's sad that companies do this- so disrespectful. But again. make sure that you ARE advocating for yourself and not just whimpering about a promotion. Be direct and document this.
Susan RoblesJuly 24,2022 at 7:54PM UTC
If I were you, I would look for someplace that would appreciate all I do, bring and give. This is insane! Please value yourself even when others do not. Hope you can find a good company and a good manager, and a good position!
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netJuly 24,2022 at 7:58PM UTC
Everybody who has responded agrees wholeheartedly that you should leave, but the real issue is why have you not left? There are tons of jobs available, you have clearly been treated very unfairly, so what is keeping you there?
Lauren Michelle FordJuly 24,2022 at 9:26PM UTC
I have been exactly where you are and while you ultimately have to make the decision for yourself, I will join the chorus here that says leave. The company will be fine. You must do right by yourself, personally and professionally. The money will follow.
For me, my self esteem was in the tank staying at such a toxic place for so long. I got a coach to help me work through that mess within me and as soon as I activated my power, the opportunities just poured in.
AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 9:35PM UTC
I have been there and finally left! I was held at a different standard than even the other office staff, different time off requirements, dress code, etc. Gave up after taking on a higher role with no pay change and started looking for the door out. Local jobs are at least half of what I was making for office work and I needed a better plan that didn't take away my income.
KellyW43July 24,2022 at 9:45PM UTC
It's time to go. Find another job and stop chasing the carrot of false promises your boss is putting in front of you.
When you put in your two weeks, they will promise you the world, but don't fall for it. If you do and stay, they'll continue to use you and not do anything they promised you.
Find another position and leave.
Joanna PoeJuly 24,2022 at 9:50PM UTC
You've been there long enough to know the answer, I'm afraid: find a better job somewhere else, where they will put you on salary and not overwork you or limit your PTO.
Bernadette M MartinezJuly 24,2022 at 9:50PM UTC
It sounds like your workplace is taking advantage of you. If you keep asking for help, guidance, and fair compensation for what you're doing and not getting it, it's time to look for another opportunity.
And at least now you know the kind of questions to ask to determine if your next place has the same issues.
AnonymousJuly 24,2022 at 10:53PM UTC
States often have laws dictating which positions are salaried and which are paid hourly. Your company may be in violation of such a law if your male counterpart has the same job description.
AnonymousJuly 25,2022 at 1:53PM UTC
Or they may be repressing OP's raises in order to keep them non-exempt.
Joshua CorderoJuly 25,2022 at 1:31PM UTC
Leverage your experience there to find a company that will compensate you at the level you deserve.
AnonymousJuly 25,2022 at 1:52PM UTC
Exempt employees are more highly valued than non-exempt, sadly. You probably just need to move on. You have lots of good experience, so you should be able to land on your feet.
AnonymousJuly 25,2022 at 3:37PM UTC
I would walk. You deserve better. They are taking advantage of you and they will not carry through on those promises. It is disappointing, but sometimes it is best to work on accepting the reality of our situation and moving on to a new plan instead of trying to fix a complicated problem in your current position. Your skills will be highly valued elsewhere.
Barb HansenJuly 25,2022 at 4:06PM UTC
Why is your male counterpart salaried and you, with the same job title, are hourly?
I thought the determining factor on whether a job could be salaried or hourly has nothing to do with the person doing that job, but is based on the type of work being done (and other factors).
I know you didn't ask this question, but how can it be that you and an exact counterpart aren't both salaried or both hourly?
To answer your questions ...
The company has shown you what they think of you. They view you as an hourly employee who they don't have to pay commensurate bonus to. I would be packing my skills-suitcase, and jumping on the "find a new job" train.
rgstaffing@bellsouth.netJuly 25,2022 at 6:07PM UTC
There is no doubt in any of our minds that this employee is being undervalued to say the least. The real challenge here is to help her to be able to move on. For whatever the reasons are, she has not been able to leave so I think she needs to come to terrms with that because it will not change where she is. Everyone recognizes this but her--need to be able to help her to be able to want to leave and get the wheels in motion before we get into a full blown recession and there arn't jobs.
Liz MilneJuly 26,2022 at 2:07AM UTC
Time to have a conversation with your boss: if you really are 'valuable' to the company, he needs to put his money in your hand to prove it. Take two weeks off and start looking for another job. Obviously, be prepared to walk if he gets nasty, but I think it's time to rip the 'WELCOME' off your back and stand up for your true worth. A couple of days of chaos should be enough for him to send you a bigger share of the profits...
AnonymousJuly 26,2022 at 4:40PM UTC
How do you get real recognition? Going work for a company that provides it. Seriously. Get out.
Terresa RodenJuly 26,2022 at 7:34PM UTC
In the 1980's this happened to my sister. Her supervisor wouldn't let her take more than 3-5 days off because of one thing or another. Invoices were sent out the last week of the month. Most payments came in during the 1st week and the two middle weeks were for reconciliations when the payments received didn't match up to the invoices.
She had accrued over 5 weeks of unused vacation time and the company announced the end of being able to bank the time and were switching over to "use it or lose it." So she borrowed a bit of money from a family member and booked a month long vacation through the East Coast at the height of the Fall Color (October and this was in April/May) which she paid in full. Then she went back to her company and put in for that month of vacation.
Her supervisor ws miffed
Terresa RodenJuly 26,2022 at 7:47PM UTC
In the 1980's this happened to my sister. Her supervisor wouldn't let her take more than 3-5 days off because of one thing or another. Invoices were sent out the last week of the month. Most payments came in during the 1st week and the two middle weeks were for reconciliations when the payments received didn't match up to the invoices.
She had accrued over 5 weeks of unused vacation time and the company announced the end of being able to bank the time and were switching over to "use it or lose it." So she borrowed a bit of money from a family member and booked a month long vacation through the East Coast at the height of the Fall Color (October and this was in April/May) which she paid in full. Then she went back to her company and put in for that month of vacation.
Her supervisor was miffed and didn’t speak to her for a couple of weeks. She learned through the grapevine that the supervisor above hers sat her supervisor down and basically told that good person “She’s giving you five months to get someone cross-trained to cover the position. She could walk out tonight and get hit by another driver and be out for most of those five months. Get someone trained.”
That may be that tactic to employ in your situation.