What do you do when you find out you’re getting paid less than all of your co-workers?
It is one of the worst things that can happen at a job. I found out yesterday that I am getting paid less than my two co-workers. They are both getting paid only $1.00 more than me, which may not sound like a lot. However, I have more education and work experience than both of them and I have more “special projects” handed my way because I have software skills that they do not. One girl has a bachelor’s degree and the other has no college education at all.
As you can imagine, I was pretty upset about this when I found out. So, I channeled my anger into gathering info to support my speech for needing a raise. I looked up salary information. I made a list of all the extra little things that I do that are not part of my job description. And so on.
Then I looked up information on how to ask for a raise. I wanted to make sure I phrased it just right and I wanted to sound confident when I spoke.
I thought about my options. Was I prepared to stand my ground even if it meant losing the job? Could I afford to lose the job if that’s what it came down to? Would it be worse to walk away from the job if they said ‘no’ or to stay and show them that they could walk all over me? What if they did give me a raise but not enough of one?
After much preparation I was prepared to go for it.
I was confident, I had valid points and proof to back them up and I was prepared to walk away instead of getting walked on. I didn’t ask for the moon, I probably didn’t ask for what I should have. I asked for $2.00 more an hour.
Do you know what happened when I asked for the salary increase yesterday?
They told me that they no longer need my services. Yes, that is correct. Instead of giving me a raise they showed me the door. It’s okay though because I was prepared to leave if I did not get what I wanted. That being said, I think I did some of this all wrong. For instance, when I asked to meet with the person that makes the decision she asked why. I told her why I wanted to meet. She told me she’d get back to me. She set the meeting up for the next day. I think maybe I should have not done that.
It’s all right though. I’m certain I’ll find greener pastures. And hey, now I don’t have to stay at a job I hate!
August 20th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Good for you on standing up for yourself.. it’s a shame they let you go though. But at least they aren’t (in my thinking), exploiting your services on the cheap any more.
August 21st, 2007 at 1:03 am
A similar thing happened to me and I quit and found another job that paid 15% more. The job market is good right now so you can totally get a better job! Good luck!
August 21st, 2007 at 7:26 am
I think it’s probably a blessing
Here’s hoping I can find a job that pays more too!
August 22nd, 2007 at 11:59 am
Certainly their loss, and I’m hopeful you’ll find a better job soon with a company that will not exploit you. I’m not sure about where you live, but please sign up for Unemployment Insurance today if you haven’t already. In New York, where I live, there is a one-week “waiting” week where you won’t get benefits, but it only starts once you apply for benefits, even if you wait a few weeks to apply. I hope you’ve worked there long enough to be able to collect benefits your previous employer has already paid taxes on. (I’m not sure of the time frames required.) Good luck!!
August 22nd, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Amy - thanks for reminding me! That is a “must do” for today.