Did I Sell Myself Short?

Anonymous

February 2,2024 at 11:37PM UTC

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Did I Sell Myself Short?

I am not actively seeking a new role, I'm pretty content where I'm at, (I have been in this role for just under two years), BUT I keep seeing job postings on LinkedIn for the same role that I currently perform, with double or even triple the compensation.

The job duties and expectations are aligned with my current role, and some even seem to offer an opportunity to build on my skillset.

The company that I currently work for is a multi-national corporation, but we are also recently feeling the economic downturn that most other companies are going through. There have been a couple rounds of RIF, but they have been as frugal as possible to preserve roles.

What I am wondering is if I sold myself short two years ago when I was offered this role, and if so, should I attempt to negotiate a higher wage? My boss has stated many times that my work is exemplary and I meet or exceed the expectations when compared to my counterparts in the same role.

I do not really want to go through the process of applying to multiple other job opportunities when I genuinely am content where I'm at, but I also compare my pay stubs to those from 10 years ago and the money I am bringing in certainly has not increased much and I have two kids that will be entering college in the next four years.

Any advice or feedback would be appreciated.

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MariaFebruary 3,2024 at 12:25AM UTC
I think there are two routes you could take -
1) if you trust your manager, soft pitch what you're seeing on LinkedIn and see what they say (I would reserve bringing this up only once or twice during your tenure there, or once every five years ish)
2) Apply to another role or at least explore it, and get an offer that's higher. Before you fully accept, notify your current company and see if they fight to keep you.
Route 2 is pretty common practice in the marketplace and kind of makes sense - it's the natural push and pull response to companies who won't increase pay to market rate unless they "have to" - it's a little bit of playing the game, but it's also fair game. Thoughts? Ping me if you need more help :)
AnonymousFebruary 3,2024 at 12:45AM UTC
"Same role" can be misleading unless you've actually gone to the point of discussing the role with someone and know that it is 1:1. You can certainly pursue other roles, but you could find that you have fewer counterparts and are expected to do more work for that larger income. That may well be worth it for you, but I wouldn't assume it's exactly the same.
Jill Thompson MillerFebruary 3,2024 at 12:51AM UTC
Leave. You have concrete proof that you are undervalued and are being undercompensated. If you try to get your salary up to par with your current company, you probably won't be successful, and it will leave a bad taste in your mouth and with your employer as well. Remember, you are at work to make money, and your contribution is not being fairly appreciated at your current company.
I stayed someplace where I was "content" for WAY too long...I never got a decent increase in compensation, and I was never considered for promotion because they said I was "too good" at my job for them to move me. They laid me off during Covid after almost 27 years, and I now have great regrets for having stayed there so long in the first place because by doing so I really sold myself short financially.
ppinesFebruary 3,2024 at 3:41AM UTC
I agree with Jill Thompson Miller, time to move on.
Just a curiosity.... If you are happy where you are why are viewing similar roles on LinkedIn?
Loyalty is defined differently by employers and employees. Employees have this idea that a company will take care of them if they are hard working, punctual, stay at the company, and work for modest wages.
Employers look at employees as a resource they use to generate profits for the people they care about, the stockholders.
If you do land a better paying role and your current company counter-offers, I would advise that you decline. Why? Because it often provides a short-term solution to a long-term problem.
You can try to negotiate a better wage, however, given the economic conditions you mentioned, this could be a little tricky. You need to explain precisely why it’s justified - have facts to support your request:
*Make a list of your accomplishments during your time with the company
*Focus on gathering quantitative data: eg: exceeding sales quotas by 15%, improving the success of an advertising campaign by 20% or reducing customer wait times for a response by 25%.
*Use you recent research to prove your market value
*Provide your short- and long-term goals as an employee; Discuss your goals and how you want to continue to grow within the company.