Just venting

43 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 13,2024 at 3:23PM UTC

   Omg. This is crushing... It's sad to imagine that they may not have thought you were as valuable as you knew you were to the company.

   Good thing is; your new job recognizes your value and is paying you what you're worth! That is a confirmation that you were never asking for too much... It's the company's loss. Good thing you're leaving such a disgusting environment.

2. Tami L CannizzaroJune 13,2024 at 3:46PM UTC

   I'm so sorry. Stuff like this is difficult to swallow.

   Here's what I've learned in my career, and forgive me if I sound harsh - I've been in your shoes: we have to research the position and negotiate the salary up front, and that's what gets us ahead in the long run.

   While companies will give annual raises, and may bump us up significantly when we move to another role within the company, they don't care about what the previous person made, or what the person who sits next to me makes, or what the title is. Once I negotiate my initial starting salary - and we should always negotiate - the rest will be based on my performance + the company's financial performance (ability to pay out).

   I'm glad you got the salary you want and deserve, and your future increases will be based on this higher level.

3. AnonymousJune 13,2024 at 4:45PM UTC

   I hear your anger and frustration and completely understand it. The problem is the job market today vs the job market when you were hired in 2018 is very different. I 'paid' a lot more for a new entry level person than the previous new person had received 8 years prior. Ideally, I'd love to bump the 8yr tenured person up a bunch to compensate but it's just not something I'm allowed to do. Is it the right thing and the fair thing? Yes, but we all know that old adage.

   Now, I know all of that does not make it any better for you or make it less enraging. What I'm trying to say is it was not you and I hope you won't be too judgmental of your old supervisor & boss when you cross paths again. They may not have had the option to increase your pay and the person making the call on the hiring wage probably wasn't them.

4. AnonymousJune 13,2024 at 4:45PM UTC

   Betrayed? No, they paid you what they had budgeted for you. That was what they could get away with.

   They can no longer get the talent they need at your old salary. This is exactly why people move around in jobs. Coming in new will usually demand a high salary.

   Nothing personal. You did a great job and saved them in compensation. The market has changed and they have to increase that compensation.

5. AnonymousJune 13,2024 at 5:19PM UTC

   It is, what it is. They would not have paid you the higher salary. This proves you needed to leave. I wouldn't bring it up to your former boss. Maybe you can use it to your advantage by saying to further employers this is what my job was worth and negotiating a higher salary off what they are now paying.
   Also where I work once we provide a salary it is difficult to give an adjustment. It is much easier to set the rate higher before posting the job. This doesn't involve many levels of signatures.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 13,2024 at 11:59PM UTC

   First off, when you say "the base salary is $17,000 MORE than I had BEGGED for while I was there." are you talking about a salary range listed in a job posting? There generally isn't just one number - for example, base salary is $95k - listed in a job posting.

   Second, please don't gnaw on this. You have an exciting new opportunity, being paid what you requested.

   There IS something you can do about this. Life tends to not be so much about what happens to us as how we handle what happens to us. You say you are crushed, furious and heartbroken. Who is miserable? You. They're not suffering over this.

   For your own mental health, I suggest you let this go. Please don't give them one more second of bandwidth in your brain. Please put your energy toward looking forward to your exciting new job adventure.

   Being miserable is a choice. Choose to be happy.

   CONGRATULATIONS on your new position and GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!

7. AnonymousJune 14,2024 at 2:46PM UTC

   Hi- I'm the OP. Yes- that $17K more is the bottom of the salary range they listed.

   *shrug* It's going to be a tough position to fill, and while I hope for my former coworkers' sake it's filled quickly and well, I can't help but have a little schadenfreude for the leadership team who is currently picking up the slack.

   But onward and upward!

8. AnonymousJune 14,2024 at 12:58PM UTC

   Not exactly the same, but similar. When I was in IT in my first career, I was evaluating different software packages for the company. There were three that were vying for our business, and the competitive nature of it was intense. When I made the decision and informed the salesperson of one of the losing products which product I chose, he stated, "You have made the worst mistake in your life and it will haunt your career." Eventually, I went to work for the company of the product I chose and was highly recruited by the company because I had a lot of experience as a user of the product rather than just a programmer/designer, and I brought that specific view to the team. I made it all the way into senior management as VP of Research and Development of that product line.

   Moral of the story: Sometimes the best revenge is to do well and be a star at your new opportunity.

9. AnonymousJune 14,2024 at 2:34PM UTC

   This is a common thing. They probably realized that they couldn't get a replacement in at what you were making. The best way to get a raise is always to jump to a new job.

10. AnonymousJune 14,2024 at 2:35PM UTC

    You can just be smug that now they still have to pay the extra money and also have to train a new person so will be taking a productivity hit on top of that! That's good that you were able to get the salary you deserved all along at your new job.

11. AnonymousJune 14,2024 at 2:38PM UTC

    I would be angry as well, and I think you're completely justified in feeling the way you do. Unfortunately, you're the one left with having to move on because they already have. It absolutely sucks though. Sounds like it's good that you left because they clearly were just going to continue to take advantage of being able to pay you less.

    Also, all the excuses of we can't pay existing people what a new person would cost, etc., etc., are just that. Excuses. Companies absolutely can change their pay structure; they just add red tape and would rather not. It's wild to me that companies wonder why employees aren't as loyal to them.

12. AnonymousJune 14,2024 at 4:16PM UTC

    Speak your truth. If someone in your industry asks you about your former employer, be honest. Word will get around. Don't be dramatic, just talk about your experience with that company. Word will get around. Honestly, if companies want people to talk about them favorably, then they should treat their employees better. An employee today just might be a former employee tomorrow.

13. AnonymousJune 15,2024 at 1:59PM UTC

    Not adding anything new hut congratulations on your new opportunity!

    This is your new day to show all the wonderful things you bring to your new company. It does totally suck and the old place will carry on and you will too. Again, congratulations on pursuing and getting what you deserve.

14. maria roseJune 15,2024 at 5:10PM UTC

    I’m sorry that you had to deal with being grossly underpaid in your previous position before you got your current position that you finally left the former position to be correctly paid. One thing this site does emphasize repeatedly is that everyone needs to know how to negotiate for your salary when job searching. Don’t let your the hiring process with the now constant interviews with no real job offers intimidate your need to get the information you need to even consider working at the company. Stop being non-attentive to the conversation during the interview process—develop listening skills to understand exactly what you’re being offered, especially details about your pay and benefits. If you don’t start at the level of pay desired , you will never get (at least in that company) desired pay salary. But don’t worry about your past company and how they underpaid you for your skills and look to future with your new present job.

15. EMILY KIKUE FRANKJune 17,2024 at 4:41PM UTC

    Frustrating! I'm sorry. It very much stinks. If you're a woman, especially if you're a woman of color, there's the pay gap in action. Once you've settled into the new role some more, I recommend you consider writing this info on a review site like Glass Door.

16. AnonymousJune 18,2024 at 12:43PM UTC

    Please do post about this on Glassdoor and/or Indeed (in a calm, 'here are the facts' kind of way). Companies do these things because there are almost never any consequences (unless you can prove protected class discrimination and actually sue). Time to name and shame.

17. AnonymousJune 18,2024 at 12:54PM UTC

    My take is never post on Indeed or geez Glassdoor. It’s not anonymous. It’s traceable. Although there will

    be those who claim its not.

18. AnonymousJune 18,2024 at 3:07PM UTC

    If you really will run into your previous supervisor regularly, I would refrain from doing this.

    I'm all for pay transparency. I would only do this if it isn't obvious that it's coming from you.

19. AnonymousJune 18,2024 at 12:46PM UTC

    I know how you feel! I was just forced to take a job I didn’t want or be put on a PIP. I lost my unlimited PTO and my salary. I did get a $0.69 pay raise ? I’m heartbroken as well

20. AnonymousJune 18,2024 at 12:55PM UTC

    Just because they did not see your value does not mean you are worth any less. If anything, this is a blessing. You now have hindsight to see the character of those you worked with in the past.

    You have a new opportunity and a fresh start to grow and flourish in.

    When you cross their path, they will remember what they had and realize where your potential has taken you, far beyond them.

    I understand that you are hurt; I would have been too.

21. AnonymousJune 18,2024 at 1:03PM UTC

    Venting is therapeutic. There are all sorts of unfairness and ugliness in the world. You always need to have confidence in yourself, and ignore the (sometimes just bizarre) behavior of others/companies. Ignore & move on. Hold your head high.

22. AnonymousJune 18,2024 at 2:06PM UTC

    This is so frustrating for you and I'm sorry this happened! I've been in HR for over 15 years and have seen countless times where the employer pays more for the replacement. In some situations the employee was compensated fairly but the market demands required a higher salary to get the right level of talent. Sometimes they expand the role and responsibilities. But that is not always the case.

    Where you begged, they said no and you know they are now hiring for the amount you asked for - that is deflating. Companies do not reward their internal talent the way they should, especially for hard-working and loyal employees. I really do not understand the mind set of "We're ok paying our existing employees less and future employees more". Unfortunately this is quite common and honestly may not be a direct reflection of you specifically rather than overall business choice (which doesn't make it right).

    You left with your head held high - did all the right things and ensured they are set up for success. I would focus on your new role and if your paths ever cross, be sure your former boss is aware of all your new success and accomplishments.

23. Remi GibbsJune 18,2024 at 3:24PM UTC

    I completely understand this frustration. My situation was a little different...I was replaced with 3 people when I quit. I had asked for a title, an admin and a bump in salary. I would have just taken the title. I was told twice that it just wasn't a priority at the time.

24. Karen P. StoreyJune 18,2024 at 6:54PM UTC

    What you have become is the price you paid to get what you used to want! Let it go...it's history now.

    Enjoy your change,

    Karen P. Storey, CPC, CTS

25. Wanda ShawJune 18,2024 at 8:38PM UTC

    You’re right…there’s nothing you can do about the shoddy treatment. It is a major letdown. Who doesn’t want to feel as though they matter to their employer, especially when there have been concessions made by the employee when it comes to pay raises and promotions. But unfortunately it happens more times than we care to think about. The good news is that you’ll be able to go onto better. And in my opinion that’s the best revenge.

26. AyianJune 18,2024 at 9:15PM UTC

    Increases in pay have been greater and more accessible when leaving a company and has been so for over 20 years. It is definitely a slap in the face. I'm sorry.

27. AnonymousJune 18,2024 at 11:48PM UTC

    I’m so sorry that’s hard to watch when things like that happen.

28. AnonymousJune 19,2024 at 1:18AM UTC

    Had this happen.. Be glad that you moved on

29. Kacey WilkinsJune 19,2024 at 12:24PM UTC

    Jobs = paycheck and financial security. I learned this the hard way and I know that it was not easy to transition to this way of thinking. I totally support your vent though! Been there, went through that…

30. AnonymousJune 19,2024 at 12:36PM UTC

    One job I left had to hire two people to replace me. Allow yourself to be angry for a short time and then let it go and move on. Anger only hurts the person who is angry. The other side doesn’t know or doesn’t care.

31. AnonymousJune 19,2024 at 2:26PM UTC

    Sometimes no one knows your impact until you are gone. It’s a constant reminder that we need to make sure our impact is known to management. Part of that is something we have to own. Sometimes however, your value is not recognized while you are there. In my experience thoughtful transitions to another company often lead to bigger salary increases. It’s also a reminder to go where you are valued. You did exactly the right thing. You moved on. Anger is a natural feeling, but be the best you can be in your new role. Don’t burn bridges since you never know who you will run into and how people are connected. You can indirectly say that the other place was not a fit by saying that you now have more opportunities for growth and that have more responsibility etc. Refrain from holding a grudge you are where you are supposed to be right now. Congrats on your new position!

32. AnonymousJune 19,2024 at 6:03PM UTC

    I was just laid off from a company that has been having financial issues. My former manager is attempting to backfill my position (and I was backfilling 2 when I was there) and let's just say the results are embarrassing. Companies only realize your value AFTER you are gone.

33. AnonymousJune 19,2024 at 8:41PM UTC

    I’ve been trying to get my employee more pay for the high quality work she does without any success. New people are coming in at a higher salary than her. The only way she will get more than her annual increase is if she quits and reapplies. I attempted to give her a different job title so her salary could be reevaluated but was told by compensation that it was a lateral move and her salary wouldn’t change. It’s incredibly frustrating. I want to reward her for her high performance and loyalty to the company but have been unable to do so. Maybe the person making the decisions about pay aren’t the same people that knew you and your work. It doesn’t make it right but it makes it a little less personal.

34. Janet ParkhurstJune 19,2024 at 9:29PM UTC

    Dear Just Venting,

    I am SO SORRY this happened to you. This is more than a slap in the face--it's a kick in the a**. The only thing I can offer is that I'm so glad you're outta there, and I'm betting they feel that whatever you did for them cannot be easily replaced. Sooooo.... they're offering a great, big pay hike to get someone who probably can't hold a candle to you. In my fantasy world, you could print that ad out, take it to an employee attorney (they're almost non-existent; most work for the offending corporations, themselves) and sue them for back pay. Especially if your replacement ends up being a male. A SURE win!

    However, as other posters said, you're in a much better place now and, you're moving away, anyway, so you wouldn't want to spend your time and efforts (and yes, money) fighting those awful people and tapping upon a huge reserve of negative energy. Just try to stay positive and fly away!

35. Marcia SmithJune 20,2024 at 3:26PM UTC

    well said!!!!

36. TkJune 20,2024 at 12:12PM UTC

    A place I worked at filled a good guys role and created it to be a deputy director job, "just to upset" the guy who left , because he asked for that title too ... Knowing it was deserved. Sometimes people just suck! Congratulations on your new job and keep looking forward.

37. AnonymousJune 20,2024 at 12:28PM UTC

    You leaving may have been a wake up call for them. I would think they would have presented you with the offer or offered to work with HR to see if they could increase your salary. Maybe, they noticed that to be competitive, they had to increase the salary. It's a shame that some people will get s much out of a person for as little money as they possibly can. However, I am glad you have the money you want and the job you want now but understand how you would feel the way that you do.

38. AnonymousJune 20,2024 at 2:19PM UTC

    I share your pain and annoyance. I had a similar situation, and the excuse for the salary increase was blamed on H/R for needing to be competitive with the industry salary ranges in the industry.

39. Marcia SmithJune 20,2024 at 3:25PM UTC

    Unfortunately, many employers just don't give a darn about their employees - and we give our time, effort, and passion - many times for nothing but to be treated like crap.

    Just know that you are not alone - and perhaps start building some boundaries around your heart - work is work - my heart is for my friends and family now :)

40. The Williams WeddingJune 20,2024 at 5:33PM UTC

    Honestly, God was looking out for you. Sometimes he/she closes certain doors to force you to move in a different direction. And look at you now!

    Your feelings are certainly valid though. When you look at this "loss" as their loss and more of an opportunity for you to have an even better career somewhere else and possibly more happiness, it doesn't quite sting as badly! You begin to understand that this HAD to happen in order for you to get even closer to fulfilling your purpose in life.

    And I think that's what life is about. A series of setbacks and come ups to get you to your ultimate purpose.

    Best wishes in your new role.

41. AnonymousJune 21,2024 at 4:41AM UTC

    My job was posted with more than $50K after I left last yr. You are not alone, dear.

42. AnonymousJune 23,2024 at 11:35PM UTC

    I feel you on this. In October of 2020, I left an employer I had been with for more than 10 years as it became clear to me that they had no intention of promoting me beyond the role I was in. I was an individual contributor, a senior generalist. And then I saw my role posted. As a manager position. I was livid.

43. Patricia Lehr BayneJune 24,2024 at 12:14PM UTC

    That’s why people job hop now.