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?
For the past few months I have worked for an arts organisation in a junior role. A few weeks ago my manager, who started working there a few days after me, left suddenly.
Part of my manager’s role was highly specialised, and due to initial difficulties with recruiting, the job will not be re-advertised. The current plan is for me to take on what responsibilities I can, while an external agency will be brought in to assist with the specialised aspects I cannot do.
The idea is that I will manage this agency, taking what opportunities I can to learn from them, and then the situation will be reviewed in a few months.
Obviously, this is all very exciting for me career-wise. I never imagined that I would have so much responsibility so quickly.
My question is, how do I make the most of my position? I’ve clearly taken on more responsibility, and suspect that a pay rise may be in order. But should I keep my head down until everything is settled and I have a stronger hand?
I’m currently on a temporary contract, but have been promised a permanent one once it ends (at the end of this year). Is it best to wait until then and argue for quite a significant pay increase or, considering that I’m early on in my career, should I be arguing for a larger training budget and more time to develop these specialised skills?
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.
