I need some guidance here.

22 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 22,2025 at 6:51PM UTC

   Right now, I'd advise you stay put. It's not a great employment market right now, automotive has had lots of layoffs over the last several years (I work for a supplier). If you can find another role that offers more and seems a better fit then go for it...but keep in mind, grass is not always greener and I think things are going to become a lot less fair in the workplace.

2. AnonymousJanuary 22,2025 at 7:55PM UTC

   First off the u.s. automobile industry just received a crazy amount of support from our new president. So being in a nongrowth, cost cutting mode is a bit ridiculous IMHO.

   Further, for your situation it doesn't appear there is much you can do but for your annual bonus and potential raise. Then you can assess your personal situation and determine whether it's time to start shopping around.

3. AnonymousJanuary 22,2025 at 10:31PM UTC

   Boy this is a great post, thank you for sharing. As far as the new grad and making more than you after all the years of experience you have, this is not that unusual. But being in higher ed, I can tell you that new grads will not be there as long. You will outlast them. They are only good for 1-3 years at any company. It's really a generational movement that is unlike those in my generation where many stay until retirement. First, wait that one month you mentioned and see if there are any movements in your salary or benefits. Then if not, it's up to you to venture out and explore other opportunities. The market is very volatile including the car industry. Manufacturers, suppliers, all of it. Now that a new administration is in place, there is no telling what tariffs if any, will be placed on the industry outside of the U.S. I do think with your skills and background you can find another position outside of this industry. Especially in companies that are sustainable or at least practice it. That's a very hot topic. Look at the federal bureau of statistics and see what other positions may be out there that match your industry skills. And you're right, your boss can only offer more based on those higher up the food chain than themselves. Give yourself a few months in my opinion to see how the new government administration may change the support to our manufacturers in the U.S. You may become a lot more valuable and be paid more too. I have high hopes for you, stay strong and honestly, there's no harm in exploring what's out there and taking on interviews.

4. AnonymousJanuary 23,2025 at 2:24PM UTC

   I have been in this exact position, and aside from being in a different industry, could’ve written this post myself. TLDR, I’ve now been at a different company for 3 years, I work fewer hours, and literally doubled (yes, doubled) my salary when I left my previous employer.

   It’s time to put things in motion for you to be open to new opportunities. Update your resume, your LinkedIn, etc, brush up on your interview and salary negotiation skills, and start telling people outside your workplace that you’re open to new opportunities.

   You could stick around your current company and fight for a raise, but unfortunately, new hires are going to always come in higher than you were offered 10 years ago, and sadly that may mean they’re coming in at significantly more than you make now.

   I’d also reach out to an employment lawyer and find out if you have a case. This sounds like discrimination, and they may be able to help. A consultation will probably be free.

   But either way, it’s time to move on to bigger and better things. This company hasn’t treated you well, and they don’t deserve your loyalty.

5. Tami L CannizzaroJanuary 23,2025 at 4:49PM UTC

   Wow. This is a tough position. What I hear you saying is that even if you had the higher salary, this isn't the best place to work; you work there more because of the benefits. The good news: you have a job and it seems like your boss is glad you have you. Sounds like you will get a raise of some kind. There is no harm is silently looking for a new job just to see what's out there - if something great pops up that's good work and pays what you're worth, then Yay for you. Why not at least try to network and see what's out there as long as you have a job? Just keep plugging away at work as if everything is OK until you find what you are looking for.

6. AnonymousJanuary 24,2025 at 1:49PM UTC

   They are banking on you either being too comfortable or not in a financial position to just quit. They know the job market is bad and figure it'll take you a while to find something else. Your managers literally do not care.

   Quiet quit and look for something else.

7. AnonymousJanuary 24,2025 at 3:37PM UTC

   This is the way of the world now. Staying at one company for years does NOT benefit you anymore because to stay competitive for the pool of talent out there, employers must offer higher and higher pay rates to new hires. The HR budgets for new employee hires are often higher than the pool of money your manager gets for raises. This is exactly why younger workers no longer stay at a job for more than 2-3 years--you pretty much HAVE to go elsewhere to get a substantial raise.

   You may have also undervalued yourself 10 years ago when you started, as women in general seem to do that and are less aggressive overall in the negotiations process than men (we need to get over our humility and push for higher salaries before joining a new company).

   Whether or not to leave is absolutely up to you. On one hand you will probably get a much bigger paid position if you move (and be aggressive about the pay and benefits you would receive as you discuss starting elsewhere). On the other hand, the job market is rough as it is right now so it may take a while to find something. If you are over 45, expect ageism to already play a large part in extending how long it takes to find a new position. The economy is also about to take a huge downtown, so also let that factor into your thinking.

   I know it's frustrating but whatever you did think long and hard before making a change and take lots of time finding that new position. Best of luck!

8. maria roseJanuary 24,2025 at 8:16PM UTC

   Despite your having invested those years, you, the OP, are realizing that the pay negotiation should have started at your hiring. You, the OP, had to deal with the non-transparency of expected salary and the biases which is still occurring in many forms as excuses for salary differences. That’s why pay rates based on Merit should be the standard versus whatever biases rates used as you the OP, just realized having a simple conversation with a fellow coworker with less time invested working in your present company. Sorry to say this, but you will never get the pay rate staying at this company that you should have based on your time and performance, BUT before you rush out the door to search for a hopefully better paid position, make sure you don’t lose any of your accrued benefits—especially if you get retirement benefits like a pension or contributions to a Roth or IRA account. You might not be old even to start receiving payments but you should be able to get the benefits when you are at the appropriate age. Don’t be blinded by your rage to leave behind what you do have in benefits .

   Having said that, the ball falls now in your hands to decide what path you choose for your remaining career path going forward—it’s a good time to consider looking into using your expertise in the newer generation of transportation solutions. Good luck

9. AnonymousJanuary 24,2025 at 9:05PM UTC

   If your health benefits come at a reasonable cost and the 401 K match is not something to take lightly. Many companies do not offer quality perks such as those. Always remember a 401 K match is free money in you retirement plan.

10. AnonymousJanuary 25,2025 at 1:30AM UTC

    Your Post represents so many Women in the workforce today! And before taking any action - it's important to also acknowledge the sense of betrayal that you're going through right now (I can almost feel it myself!) - That way, emotions will be put aside as you navigate the best "next step". Also, having 20 years of experience normally should be held in high regard - However, today's job market has shifted, and now sees that # of years as "outdated"...Perhaps consider tweaking this part of your message before your next job search. Best to You!

11. Beth Whight MoralesJanuary 25,2025 at 1:42PM UTC

    Working evening and weekend hours in addition to a 40 hour work week means you can’t step back and assess the situation. It is draining to work all the time. I recommend scheduling a 2 week vacation for the mental break you need - then dig in and dust off the resume.

12. AnonymousJanuary 25,2025 at 2:07PM UTC

    You should always be open to new opportunities. Search for a new job, and when you have an offer, consider whether it’s worth it for you to take the leap. It is a tough job market and with a political shift in this country away from DEI and rumblings about women even being in the workplace, having a job that pays your bills, covers your health insurance and is setting you up for future retirement is nothing to sneeze at. You’ve more or less been content in the environment for 10 years, so a toxic work environment doesn’t seem to be an issue. Instead of focusing on others, which you can do nothing about, try to be more mindful of the things you’re accomplishing, pursue growth opportunities, extra training opportunities and celebrate your successes. By gaining new skill sets you’re making yourself a stronger candidate for roles outside, and likely inside your company. The decision to leave is really premature unless you have an offer. If you do eventually jump ship and land somewhere where you’re more happy with your pay scale, don’t settle in. If a high salary is your end game, that resume should always be current and you should always be working towards your next opportunity.

13. AnonymousJanuary 25,2025 at 2:09PM UTC

    It's just terrible to discover that you've been underpaid. I've been there! (I've been in the professional workforce for 40 years). However, you might be powerless to do anything right now. And, you said it yourself: ""I think he (boss) believed me about knowing but I know that in reality he only delivers what the leadership team decides in term of raises, bonuses, and promotions."""-- EXACTLY. Your direct report manager is powerless to do anything. And, this pay discrepancy didn't just happen; it's been a slow evolution over many years- you got small increases that felt "ok" for many years, while the newbies were jumping in higher (I think some of this salary busting really started about a decade ago). Also, SO MANY FOLKS right now are jobless and with DJT in office, who knows what's next? All of that to say: You've stated your case. Only you can decide how much noise to make about this- cause if there are layoffs/downsizing....then what? consider giving of yourself less, and really creating boundaries until things change. if it were me, I would not leave. I've already lived thru a corporate "restructure" 6 years ago and I lost a very good job (with many others). Job security is underrated. I'm sorry.

14. AnonymousJanuary 25,2025 at 2:54PM UTC

    Sounds like you’ve already made your decision.

15. RobinJanuary 25,2025 at 3:41PM UTC

    I would contact a lawyer.

16. AnonymousJanuary 25,2025 at 3:42PM UTC

    Unfortunately, under the new policies inacted just days ago, women and people of different races will no longer be protected as far as "equality" goes. This is going to greatly impact people across the workforce going forward. There will be no more protection for women and other races with regard to equal pay/treatment going forward. Changing jobs may not land you in any better of a situation now that Employers know that they no longer have to provide equal pay/treatment. As a woman myself, this scares me to death!

17. AnonymousJanuary 25,2025 at 7:21PM UTC

    I’m shocked by your statement and am horrified that you could be correct though this is so unbelievable to me! I work in an office that is 75% women. And of all the employees 95% Latino. I’m the only white person now that the white president has retired. I know that all the hires have 100% been based on merit. I have worked in corporate America mostly in finance for over 50 years. Diversity and all of this has been dealt with during my entire career. It is extremely positive for the companies and for the country. I cannot get my mind around. How this bizarre change is acceptable or good for any company.

18. AnonymousJanuary 27,2025 at 2:23PM UTC

    That is not correct. Employment laws are not being repealed. You should understand the difference and if you don’t, read about it.

19. AnonymousJanuary 29,2025 at 1:55PM UTC

    A lot of what I'm reading from a lot of different sources says otherwise.

20. AnonymousJanuary 25,2025 at 7:23PM UTC

    Stop working so hard. It’s not worth it and there won’t be consequences if you do it right. Otherwise you’re just allowing yourself to be taken advantage of.

21. NaomiJanuary 25,2025 at 7:38PM UTC

    Always keep your options open. Update your resume. Does your job seem safe, aside from the salary discrepancy? If so, ride this out while you look for other positions that pay you better. Leave on your terms.

22. KathyJanuary 30,2025 at 8:18PM UTC

    I too worked as an engineer for my whole career. I am retired now.

    In general women are underpaid in engineering. They are often the first to be laid off (Because 'women don't need their jobs' I was told years ago). They are typically more conscientious than their male counterparts.

    If you are able (based on location and opportunity) I would look for a new job. Perhaps move into a different industry such as medical devices. If you can leverage some experience such as QA, Verification and Validation, etc these can be applied to other industries. Take some courses in cyber security, this area is really important now especially given the number of data breaches and so on.

    Do you have an MBA? I was laid off at one point and was able to use Trade Benefits to go back to school and get an MBA. An MBA coupled with engineering experience is very useful as you're not seen as just a 'techie' by management who often barely tolerate the need for 'real' engineering.

    Good luck! I hope you find your way.