My boss refuses to discuss a pay rise, no matter how hard I work
I have not had any significant pay rise since I joined the company where I now work, despite my immense contribution. This was even publicly acknowledged in one of our monthly group meetings by the sales director. At my last appraisal I was described by my boss as an employee who well exceeds the company’s expectations.
But when I asked her about the pay raise I got an abrupt, curt reply that the company is not making any money, so I am not getting any more money.
In addition, I wanted to know how my salary compares to the other two managers in the department. The reply I received was that the company does not have any salary bands and she cannot give me this information. I signed up for this job three years ago because of the nature of the projects and because I really wanted to work for this company, as is it an outstanding brand.
Due to my excitement at becoming a part of the group, I accepted a lower salary than what competitors would normally pay for this particular role. In addition, I discovered that my colleague, who is male, and was on the same position than I am, was paid a hefty £14,000 more. Of course, when I found it out I was completely disheartened. Nevertheless, my colleague was fired two months ago, allegedly due to a very difficult working relationship between him and my boss. I like working where I am, but I am very unhappy that my achievements are not being fairly rewarded.
I have also observed that my boss is trying to keep the team members on the lowest possible salary, until they receive a job offer from somewhere else. Only then begins considering salary negotiation.
To make matters worse, she has been stressing about how she has been working over the weekends, what brilliant ideas she has figured out while pondering, contemplating and planning our projects. As a result, over the past two months she has been suggesting that I use the weekends to think about certain proposals. Then she calls me to her office on Mondays to inquire about my thoughts.
I feel she likes to shine in front of her CEO and show how much money she can save the company, but at the expense of her team’s morale. I have had two attempts to address the salary review with my boss, but without the desired result.
Jeremy says
I don’t think I can improve on your own analysis. It seems to me fairly obvious that your boss – out of insecurity or ambition or probably a bit of both – is so anxious to impress the CEO that it affects everything she does. Even her new addiction to working things out on the weekends can be seen to fit this pattern (it sounds to me as if she may not have much of a family life – which may partly be the reason for her office life to be so dangerously important to her).
Her snap response to your request for a pay rise, that the company’s not making any money, suggests she takes pride in being able to demonstrate to the CEO that she’s able to run her department on a shoestring. And it could very well be that this male colleague of yours was fired not just because of a poor relationship with your boss but also because of his extravagant salary.
What all this adds up to, I think, is fairly straightforward. As a matter of some urgency, you need to look for another job. If you have hard evidence of your “immense contribution” to your current company, it shouldn’t be impossible. When you have a firm offer – and, importantly, it must be for a job you’d be happy to take – have a formal meeting with your boss. Tell her of your offer, and state the exact salary you need if you are to stay. But unless you mean it, don’t go near it. If your bluff gets called, you’ll be forever discredited.
Readers say
• Leave. If they truly value you they’ll offer you a fair rise to stop you leaving. If not, you can probably negotiate a fair starting salary at your next job. JasonGee
• You have no choice - time to start hunting for a new job. Given your excellent reviews, you must surely be a strong candidate. Porthos
• After three years, you should be thinking of moving on anyway, if your career isn’t going anywhere with this company – ie if you’re not getting promoted and/or picking up new skills or ideally qualifications. Xtrapnel
• There is nothing to say that your company has to offer you a pay rise. If you accepted a job on a lower salary than you ideally wanted, that’s your decision.
However, they have no right to not even discuss it with you - and you’re entitled to get a clear answer on why they can’t/won’t offer you an increase. Springheeljim
I want this photography job but can’t afford to live on the salary
I am a recent graduate and have been freelancing as a photographer ever since. A company for which I have recently been freelancing has offered me a full-time position. The job is a desirable one and I do not wish to turn it down. The only issue I have is with the salary that I will be starting on - they have offered me the grand total of £10,000 a year. They have said the reason for this is that I would be starting as an apprentice, yet I have an excellent degree and this is below the legal minimum wage for my age.
Considering that the company are based in south-west London and I will need to move to the area if I am to avoid a near-impossible commute each day, this seems exceptionally low.
I have voiced my concerns and they say the salary will rise to £12,000 after one month and then £14,000 after six. I am still deeply concerned, as this is still well below the amount I would need to live on in London.
Jeremy says
Money aside, this is a great opportunity. You and the company already know each other, so the risk is small. I think you should accept enthusiastically (no point in doing so grudgingly) though it seems reasonable to ask for at least the legal minimum as a starting salary. You’ll need to live extremely frugally and inventively. Friends will be more important than ever; but it could well be the start of a really satisfying, and ultimately financially rewarding, career.
Readers say
• For the experience and to be able to put employment as a photographer on my CV, I’d take a punt on it for 12 months, live on beans and rice, sofa surf, see what doors it opened and contacts I could make. Wiccaman
• Tough call ... thank them for the opportunity, but continue to freelance, and up your standard rate by a factor of five.
Perhaps the company would be better advised to recruit an unpaid intern. BeckyP
• Perhaps use this as a stepping stone. It is easier to get another job (that pays more) when you can say I have relevant work experience. Best of luck. Paralleluniverse
•Claiming the salary will rise £1,000 after the first month when they know your quality of work is a joke and indicates they have no confidence in their ability to finance the position long term. Stick with the freelance work and look for other companies that also require freelance work. Misterweeble
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
