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Should I stay or should I go?
After 2 years of increasing workload, I asked my manager about the possibility of a lateral pay structure transition from hourly to salary to give me extra hours to work on tasks. Hearing rejections for 3 years, it finally came out that my job doesn't involve any travel therefore it can't be salaried. The rest of the team has an exception because their job involves occasional travel. Though due to budget cuts, work travel has been significantly reduced.
I'm so hurt that this was the ultimate reason. I expressed that I couldn't travel for work 3 years ago for personal reasons. I was assured that there's still a place for me on the team because somebody needs to stay in the office if they are all scheduled to be traveling. All this time, I thought it was performance related and suggested efficiencies wherever I can in hopes of justifying a promotion.
Is it time I move on from this?
*Edited: I'm part of a phased layoff due to COVID-19. Receiving the severance package was bittersweet but it's the "reset" button that I needed after the experience mentioned above. Thank you all for your insight on this post! I appreciate them all because it pointed out that I have some reflecting to do before pursuing my next adventure.
Madam anon663
Learner, skeptic, direct.
1.5k
06/13/20 at 12:49PM UTC
Why would you want to go to salaried and possibly make less money? I mean, you get paid for the hours you work when hourly, with a salary, you might work as many hours with less pay in the end. Am I missing something? I think I would start looking for another job if you feel let down by your employer.
Anonymous
06/13/20 at 1:12PM UTC
I was focused on finishing the tasks within the deadline at any cost, even if it was a personal one. But, you're right. In the long term, I'd probably become more frustrated if granted salary based on the compensation. I should be thankful that this didn't happen because after COVID-19, the workload has only gotten more per remaining person due to lay-offs and same, expected deadlines.
rubyboothExpert in human motivation's effects on cybersec
20
06/11/20 at 6:46PM UTC
In the two years have you been given a raise as a result of your increased responsibilities or a title change to reflect that?
Anonymous
06/11/20 at 10:29PM UTC
No additional raise or title change to reflect it i the past two years. With the pandemic, revenue is even more limited and monthly layoffs have been announced with no re-hire prioritization. Blessing in disguise for my personal situation to restart and be honest with myself before accepting the next position.
C GiulianoBusiness Leader and Consultant
92
06/11/20 at 11:41PM UTC (Edited)
I think effective and frequent two-way communication is key to resolving conflicts. I’m not sure that there was an intentional slight here, but seems like there are a few things you’re dealing with that should be discussed with your boss: 1. Additional responsibilities without an increase in work hours (and perhaps a related concern about performance evaluation, especially if you are not able to complete all the assigned tasks in the work hours you have allotted); and 2. Lack of transparency. I’m a firm believer in addressing issues directly. I would set up some time with your boss to talk about these things.
Some considerations for each of these topics:
1. Additional Responsibilities
You mentioned that you have come up with ideas for greater efficiencies for what you do and that is wonderful. You and your boss could review your current responsibilities and see if adjustments could be made. Are there further process improvements or technologies that could be utilized to reduce the workload? Could some of the work be re-distributed to other team members? Is the work prioritized so that it is clear which responsibilities/tasks are the top priorities to be completed in the allotted time frame? Are time frames/target dates realistic?
2. Lack of transparency
Your boss may not have discussed the salaried opening with you because you said you were unable to travel and all salaried positions include travel. So, your boss may not have communicated information about the opening to you for this reason. I think it’s important for you at this point to really think about what it is you want and then to discuss that with your boss in terms of career development. What are your priorities for your job and your career more broadly? Is it to get a promotion? Is it to become a salaried employee? Is your current job situation good, but you need more time to complete your assigned work? Do you need to get some of your work reassigned or eliminated? What do you love doing? What are your opportunities for improvement? What do you want to learn to do? Once you’ve figured those things out, you can have a better conversation with your boss about how to best move forward.
Wishing you the best!
Anonymous
06/11/20 at 10:32PM UTC
Thanks for the considerations and questions that I have to answer to clarify my career needs. I have to consider the answers honestly and clearly with myself first before having a conversation with my boss in order to move forward.
Renee Radcliff SinclairCommitted to building engagement in government
910
06/11/20 at 3:52PM UTC
The distinctions between hourly workers and salaries workers are not arbitrary. They are determined by federal and state regulation and you might consider doing a little research about what the requirements for salaried workers actually entail -- and it's a variety of things from regular overtime worked (for which you will never be compensated, comp time is a unicorn wrapped in rainbows), supervisory responsibilities, and many other qualifiers. Check it out and then be thoughtful about the long-term ramifications to YOU in holding bad feelings against any co-worker with whom you've had a good working relationship.
Anonymous
06/11/20 at 10:35PM UTC
Thanks for the advice on researching more about salaried workers. I'll look into it all the factors that come with a salary position before approaching the suggestion again.
Pharberknockn07Curriculum & Training Development in Kansas City
212
06/11/20 at 2:07PM UTC
The main question is- do you still want to be there? If you are still enjoying the work, the people, and/or the culture there. Then forgive and stay. Moving to salary can sometimes not be worth it since the work to pay balance doesn’t fully have to align. Plus having a set number of hours to work each week is great, and there are no overtime hours on salary.
But. If you feel like this is the last straw, that you’re not supported on the team, or appreciated for all you do, if you don’t get along with your coworkers, and/or you can’t forgive your boss for not telling you sooner that your position won’t ever become salaried. Start looking for something new.
Anonymous
06/11/20 at 2:15PM UTC
Thanks for the gut check question and the pro/cons of salary. It's time for me to be honest with myself...
Pharberknockn07Curriculum & Training Development in Kansas City
212
06/11/20 at 3:02PM UTC
You got this!
Anonymous
06/11/20 at 12:06AM UTC
No, the initial response is they'll let me know about a salary position on the team before it gets published externally but that didn't happen. I heard about the position when interview feedback was discussed in the hallway behind my cubicle. 2nd rejection reason was hiring freeze. I just felt stringed along so I don't leave the team.
User deleted comment on 06/10/20 at 11:32PM UTC
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