Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?
I work for a profitable engineering consultancy. When I joined 18 months ago, I was “gazumped” on my salary with the top boss offering me a lower sum shortly after verbally accepting. At the time I felt put out, so they agreed in writing to put it up to my ideal figure at the one-year mark.
During the year, I was promoted to a senior position. I received great praise from my clients and even took on a small side project, saving the company a contractor’s fee. I waited until my appraisal at 14 months to try and ask for a slight raise on the first offer to meet my new role. Having researched and practised my argument, I was floored when my line manager opened the discussion with a firm and final acknowledgement that the number would be the one mentioned in the contract.
I tried to politely ask if there was any room for negotiation since that figure was based on a different job role, which I’ve now exceeded. She said she would get back to me. When she didn’t, I emailed with a suggested date to meet and chat, including how to set some general objectives. Rather than honour the chance to talk, she emailed me with a very blunt affirmation that the contracted number was all I was getting. It was also clear any further discussion was closed for another year, and that I “need not worry about setting personal objectives”.
I feel hurt and angry that she didn’t have the guts to open a discussion face-to-face. Since the email, I have been excluded from team meetings and there is a frosty atmosphere from the MD and my line manager.
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.
