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colliefleur
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23
Mom * Art Educator
08/27/20 at 2:27PM UTC (Edited)
in
Career

Boss is withholding salary increase he agreed to in writing

I have been at my current job as an insurance account manager for just over 3 years and have been unhappy for most of that time. In November 2019, I resigned from my job and accepted a position at another company in the same industry. My boss did not really accept my resignation and asked why I was leaving. My reason (besides the fact that he is an impossible person to work for) was also that the small office I work in was a toxic environment and that my coworkers, including my manager, did not pull their weight, too much was expected of me for my position and everything about the job was unprofessional and all of our accounts were constantly mishandled by management. I had only one review at that point, a year and a half earlier which was not reflective of my work, I was promised a follow up 3 mo review that never happened, and had not received a raise even though my work load was greatly increased, with duties that did not fit my role due to another person quitting unexpectedly who was never replaced. I regret this now, but my boss convinced me to stay by matching the offer that I received from the other company (although not matching what I requested) throwing in a few more vacation days (not as many as I requested) and giving me a dual role where I would now be an executive assistant and be able to create the change that I wanted in the office. Part of the reason I stayed is because I am pursuing my masters in another field and needed vacation time for field observation requirements. If I went to the new job, I would have to accrue my time and that would set me behind in my courses. I was also advised by the headhunter who referred me there to not let anyone know of my school plans because it would reflect negatively on me that I was not a dedicated employee. It was a difficult choice, but school being more important, I felt that staying at my current job would work out better in the long-run. I signed an agreement to my new position which guaranteed me a review on May 1, 2020 and a guaranteed minimum salary increase of a specific dollar amount on June 1, 2020. Here is where my problem lies. It is now nearly September and my boss has not given me my review or my raise. I first questioned him about it on June 30 and he told me to draft a new review template (even though we already have one) and he would review me. When I told him I was having trouble finding resources that would fit our office through Google, as he suggested, he seemed annoyed and said he would get to it next week. He never did and a month later he emailed me with links that my manager found for unrelated career performance reviews and told me to come up with something from that and he would review me. It is important to note that in my signed agreement there is no mention of my review being dependent on my drafting a new review template. It came up in conversation sometime after I was in my new position that my boss wanted new review templates, mainly to evaluate someone who was consistently late, absent, and not completing work, but it was never discussed as being necessary for my review. I questioned him on this and was told I have to make the review template if I want a review, so I complied. I have a friend in the industry who helped me out by providing me with her review template that was issued by her company's HR. I believe this should be a duty of HR for my company as well but we are a very small office and my boss has an HR company that he consults with but the employees cannot access that company. My guess is that to ask them to create a review would cost him additional fees so he is trying to get it from me. I drafted a great review template using my friend's review as framework and I completed my self assessment as was also required and sent it to my boss. He replied questioning why I didn't include everything from the links he sent me (which were reviews for college employees) he even made a spreadsheet comparing what I included on my review against what was in the samples. He suggested I look all this over and let him know if I was confident in my template, I stated I was. He then replied and told me that I must revise what I drafted and stated that I was being resistant against his "suggestions". I am looking for advice in how to proceed. Would this just be a matter for a labor attorney at this point? When I am assertive with my boss in asking for what is long overdue to me he has called me resistant and also "hostile". He has been taking advantage of me for a long time and I want to put my foot down but also want to choose my words wisely. I am being made to jump through hoops for a reward that I was promised. I am trying to hang on at this job while I complete my degree so leaving to start another job that I will not be at for very long is still not what I intend to do. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!

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KATHELLEEN PARSONS
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172
Bachelor's degree for healthcare admin.
09/02/20 at 6:29PM UTC
just leave. Not worth the mind games that is going on.
Krischelle-A Saura
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147
✅Certified Public Accountant ✅Choose to be happy
08/30/20 at 4:44PM UTC
Are performance reviews part of your job description? Do you happen to handle a team whose performance you should monitor and review? If it is not your duty then I would say you should not do it. As far as I know, this is a human resource duty especially the drafting part of it. Unfortunately, in the workplace, there are some who are happy to pass on work to others who are willing to accept. Some are taking advantage of the weak. It’s a sad reality. My opinion is that you can politely say no to this task because 1) this is not your duty and 2) this is not your field of expertise. To be able to come up with a performance review template is not as easy as ABC. The one you got from your friend - due to your resourcefulness is already laudable. If it was not taken this way then I think it is already a sign that this is not a good place for you to grow in. If you can’t leave now then stay but work hard and fast on finding your next workplace - the one who’s open and supportive to you completing your degree. There are companies who are even willing to assist and adapt to your learning schedule. You can do it. All the best!
colliefleur
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23
Mom * Art Educator
09/07/20 at 9:17PM UTC
I don't manage a team, I really was only supposed to oversee office productivity which has not been taken seriously of me. I have pointed out severe problems in our office due to one individual in particular who is irresponsible and has lost accounts or nearly lost them. I have identified what the issues are but my boss overlooks them. My boss, also the owner of the company, has an HR service for himself, but it is not accessible to me or anyone else in the office. I did suggest that he request the templates from them as it is their expertise. My boss has not responded to me about that yet. My feeling is that he has to pay a fee for the HR service to draft a template that is above his annual fee so he has been trying to get it from me for no extra cost. Thank you for your advice and support!
Anonymous
08/30/20 at 3:41PM UTC (Edited)
This happened to me a few years back. I joined a small company and I accepted a dual role (Accounting and Admin). Before I joined, we had a written agreement that there will be a yearly performance review and salary appraisal plus they will help me with my professional development by sponsoring my trainings and seminars. These are some of the reasons why I decided to join. During my term, I worked as a company officer handling - administrative, human resource, finance, international logistics and government compliance roles. It was far from the job description I accepted but I took it as a challenge. I happily accepted the workload because for me, it is an honor to be entrusted with this big responsibilities. On my first work anniversary, I certainly believe I performed well but unfortunately, I did not receive a salary increase. My boss told me that since the company is a start up, they cannot afford to do so at the moment. On my second year, I gladly received a paper informing me of my salary increase. It was signed by the boss with a specified effectivity date but they told me personally that the “payout” will be delayed for cash flow reasons. Being the finance officer, I know that it is true so I agreed. For me, its okay, as long as it will be given. On the third year, the increase was still on hold. Some of my colleagues already left because of this, along with the toxicity in the workplace caused by the owner’s micromanagement. Those who left were not replaced immediately thus the workload became heavier. I tried to be considerate and understanding but it seems that the bosses did not have a concrete plan to make the payouts happen so I decided to leave. I have once thought of taking it to “labor” but decided to put it off. After some time, my stress levels went low and I decided to just forgive and forget and start a clean slate. Note: I am not saying that what I did was correct. I want you to weigh your options, taking it to labor will consume time and effort. Are you willing to use your resources that way? Is it worth the trouble or should you just move on? Whatever your decision will be, I wish you all the best!
colliefleur
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23
Mom * Art Educator
09/07/20 at 9:11PM UTC
Thank you for sharing your experience. You make a good point about the time and effort it will take to take to labor and I have been thinking about that and feel that it is going to be too much of a stress for me with so many other things going on, which leaves the option of stay and deal with this or move on and start over!
Anonymous
08/29/20 at 4:03PM UTC
I am at a company where HR is very disorganized and does not provide things like review templates. My boss never mentioned a review at my one year mark. I informed him I had been with the company for a year, outlined my original job description, my current job description, ways in which I had positively impacted the company (see: financially) and printed out information from reputable websites about local rates for my position based on years of experience. He reviewed the information, ran it past HR, I got a “no” a first, then discussed with him further and got a “yes.” Often with difficult and disorganized companies, you have to do all of the legwork, come prepared, and don’t dwell on the fact that it’s “not in your job description.” Creating my own review process was certainly not in mine. :) This isn’t to be negative, but a suggestion for what has worked for me. The moment I stopped questioning why my boss wanted me to do (often pointless) things (that he would often forget he asked for!) and just did them, the moment he trusted me and gave me more responsibility and, ultimately, a few months after my review/raise, put me up for a promotion with a significant raise. Food for thought.
colliefleur
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23
Mom * Art Educator
09/07/20 at 9:04PM UTC
Yes, this sounds like my company having to do all the legwork. Not only is my boss tough but he owns the company so it makes it all the more difficult as HE is the one actually paying my salary. He ultimately has the say in everything as we do not even have an HR company. I do agree that questioning why he wants something done is pointless and maybe this would be a better philosophy to have and just do them. Thank you!
Jenna Lefebvre
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58
Community Manager in Orange County
08/30/20 at 7:07AM UTC
I like this suggestion. It's worth a shot to give it one final try to stay at one's company if it's more convenient. At worst, you'll spend a little more time and energy while attempting to make your boss happy. At best, your boss will be happy and will make your work life easier and more pleasant for you. I wish you luck getting though school and finding your dream job!
Kelly Adams McCann, BSN, RN, CHPN
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31
Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Nurse
08/29/20 at 2:02PM UTC
I agree—look for something in your new field and get out of that office STAT. Working in a toxic environment is mentally and physically unhealthy. Meanwhile, you are learning what you don’t want right now. You are learning resilience and that will serve you well in any career. Take back your power. You deserve to be happy, valued and respected. You might be eligible for student loans that could help with your living expenses until you are done school or maybe you can crash with family for a few months? It’s OK to ask for help. Talk to the financial aid department at your school and tell them what is going on. I did the kind and was also able to get some small scholarships , but they add up. I switched careers to become a nurse at the age of 35. That was 13 years ago. My daughter was 6 yrs old when I finished finished my associates degree and sat for the NCLEX. I was lucky and had family support. It was hard, really hard at times, but it was worth it.
colliefleur
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23
Mom * Art Educator
09/07/20 at 9PM UTC
Definitely going to keep my eyes open for something else. I am glad to hear that all worked out for you! It isn't easy changing a career, I had a tough time deciding to go for it but I am glad I made the decision and I know I will be happy when I have my degree and can officially move on to my new career!
Holly Jacobs
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253
I'm all about winning in the right way.
08/29/20 at 1:52PM UTC
The game changed. COVID economic dynamics took hold. Talk to manager openly stating the review can be postponed but you have counted on the salary increase and when would that take effect. The ask questions with an open mind. Forget history or the fact this manager challenges you and be specific in productivity, sales or improvements that deliver net profit and thank that manager for building your capability. Know everything you quantify makes you more valuable.
Sonya Coleman Tall
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28
Project/Program Manager Telecommunications
08/28/20 at 5:25PM UTC
I agree with Michelle, start looking elsewhere. Based on his comments it sounds like your review will be negative and he can justify not giving you your raise. If you want to seek out a lawyer make sure you have plenty, I mean plenty of documentation. Also, confirm if you are in a right to work state, if you are ge can release you with no reason. I wish you luck with this and your new career.
colliefleur
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23
Mom * Art Educator
09/07/20 at 8:52PM UTC
Thank you, I have been keeping a folder of documentation for these purposes!
Marie619
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78
Seasoned Digital Marketer
08/29/20 at 2:35PM UTC
Bingo! It’s for this reason that I would never accept a counter offer. I’ve heard of a few instances where it worked out well for people, but more often than not, the company/your boss will resent you knowing that you really wanted to leave. I’ve seen companies make it difficult for people who accepted counter offers. Toughing it out seems pretty difficult and the stress from the job may pour over into your academics. I think you should try to find another role that would work with you given that you’re in school. There are opportunities out there.
colliefleur
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23
Mom * Art Educator
09/07/20 at 8:55PM UTC
Hindsight has definitely been 20/20 in this situation, I realized not too long after that I should have went with the new job offer!
Jasmine
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129
09/04/20 at 4:55PM UTC
I totally agree with Marie here. I heard that sometimes it does work out but the overall, it never does especially for toxic companies when your boss already know you are leaving and will try to make your life so much harder (even though, he said it will be an improvement.) I was once at the crossroads like that and choose to go with the new job offer and never looked back. I'm not saying that your situation is similar to mine but it seems that you took this for a solid reason and if it sounds very trying for you mentally, it's not worth it and to try to find another role that will accept you in school!
Marychris Knittel-Lepinskie
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55
08/27/20 at 4:02PM UTC
It appears that you are in an impossible situation. Since you have already committed to another career path, and you are actively studying to get there, find someone who can help direct you to a career in your chosen field. It may be a recruiter, one of your professors, or a career counselor at your school. Do this while you are still employed. Find an employer who values your determination to get your degree. You may have to take a junior role, but the experience you will get will be invaluable during your studies. Cut your losses and use this as a learning experience.
colliefleur
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23
Mom * Art Educator
09/07/20 at 8:49PM UTC
This hasn't been something that I have considered yet because there weren't any options for me in the field and to continue to make a similar salary BUT I am realizing that maybe I need to start thinking outside of the box! Thank you !
Shelly J. Appet
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43
Interior Designer/Senior Space Planner
08/29/20 at 1:28PM UTC
I agree 100%! Try and get into your new chosen field and gain some knowledge and education for what you really want to do. I’d think your new employer would be happy to have you get your degree and keep you on after you graduate.
Jennifer A
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968
08/27/20 at 3:03PM UTC
One thing I have found with bosses is that when they want something, they want it - regardless of whether it's good or bad because 'they feel it's good'. They are the boss and therefore they are 'in the right'. So, two questions - 1. How long is your degree program expected to last 2. Can you last that long? I ask because you seem to be in a precarious position right now where you really need to stay in your job to ensure your degree requirements can be met BUT you are also getting more and more dissatisfied where you are. I see this as you balancing on a teeter totter. The fact that your boss is saying you are 'resistant' is his way of laying evidence that you don't deserve a raise. In his eyes, he may think he is trying to educate you (or gas light you??) and he needs evidence for his side of the skirmish that he sees you as starting. The question, is how to get what you want without a war as in a war, you will be let go. I worked in a small toxic office as a young adult and two things I learned. Always find something that my boss was 'right' about and compliment them and when, as your boss says, resisting be very tactful and never tell them (or even insinuate) they are wrong. Instead, find a way to ask questions that led them to where you need. Statements like, "I really like your idea of ..... - thank you for helping me understand that. Can you help me understand how <2nd thing here> helps/hurts/. I'm unclear on the ... So in your example, "When I reviewed the ideas you had about the template, I see now why changing it is a good idea. There are new review concepts like that my template didn't have and I read that's a best practice from XXX. I would love if you could explain why you would like added. I didn't include it because it seemed like everything I read aimed that at college interviews. I'd love to understand your logic. OR Could we alter it slightly to this... In this way we are following an which is not only best practice BUT also will make this easier for you by .... The key to this strategy is to be earnest and show how your logic will make your boss look good and do less work. When I asked for 'education' I sometimes got 'pontification' but I also got an insight into how my bosses thought. With each conversation, I learned and then was able to start speaking in their language which in turn made things better for me. That usually kept me going until I could get the heck out.
colliefleur
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23
Mom * Art Educator
09/07/20 at 8:48PM UTC
Thank you so much for this advice, I think you have a good read on this boss's personality type. I have absolutely been convinced that he has been gas-lighting me too, for awhile it was working and I was really doubting myself until I caught on to what he was doing. I have probably about a year to go with my degree and I am really trying to hang on and make it work for the time being but it is similar to balancing on a teeter totter as you mentioned. I appreciate all of your insight and the questions that you recommend I ask my boss to make his ideas look smart and to help me understand and get the job done!
Maryann Coan
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24
10/10/20 at 3:49PM UTC (Edited)
If I am hearing u right u do resent doing this project and you are biding time. The boss is on to that. Smart bosses do get there by NOT USING PEOPLE. Sad fact is you are feeling used by his adding project after project. If you can't stretch it out be honest get him to find someone else to do this and chose to look awful or grin and bear it get it done pronto. IT sounds like the clock is ticking. I'm sorry to hear you are butting heads I also have been there. Triangulation is no fun. But play the game as best you and I agree try to find some bit of learning accomplishment in his pushing your buttons. Move on to your next job asap. HE is asking the impossible but he refused to hear it the first time.
User deleted comment on 08/29/20 at 2:51PM UTC

You're invited.

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