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Post by polkadotsusie on Sept 8, 2017 3:16:47 GMT
Yeah, I am posting anonymously. I am a long time pea, and I know how things can go down sometimes, so I am posting anonymously. I am a long time pea, so not a troll.
I am so upset about something at work that I do not know how to handle and get past. I work in a small office with less than 10 employees. We are all pretty close knit for the most part. I found out yesterday that one of my coworkers, whose job is very similar to mine, makes almost twice my salary. I have been there for many more years than she has. I found this out quite by accident. NO, I was not snooping! We have been working on a grant application, I was given a document with all the budget stuff related to the grant to edit. There was a chart with salaries of the key employees who will be fulfilling the grant, and the salaries were scribbled out with a black Sharpie. But, I could clearly see through the Sharpie what the salaries are. I truly wanted to walk out of my office with my middle finger waving in the air behind me when I saw it.
I really like this coworker, but there is nothing about her job that is so much different than mine to justify such a salary. I really have no idea why she makes so much more than me. After I saw that, I looked at her job description, and there is truly nothing she does that makes her worth that much more.
I feel so punched in the gut. I have been at this place for 14 years. She has been there for 3 years.
I don't know what to do with this information. I feel like I should go to my boss, but I feel awkward doing that. But, I didn't do anything wrong to discover this information, it was literally handed to me. I can't believe the person who scribbled the salaries out didn't notice that you could still see the numbers underneath the scribbles.
I don't know what to do with this, but it is eating me.
WWYD?
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Post by freecharlie on Sept 8, 2017 3:20:47 GMT
I have been at this place for 14 years. She has been there for 3 years. Often a company will match a salary or give a high salary to a new hire. They might not always make their raises keep up with the competition. Are you willing to walk away from the job if something doesn't happen? Would you look for different work? Does your boss decide salary or does someone else? It is an awkward situation, but I don't think I could stay somewhere and be happy in that situation. |
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Post by polkadotsusie on Sept 8, 2017 3:24:47 GMT
I have always assumed she makes more than me, but not that much. It's a HUGE difference. We aren't talking a few dollars an hour.
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rodeomom
Pearl Clutcher
Refupee # 380 "I don't have to run fast, I just have to run faster than you."
Posts: 3,718
Location: Chickasaw Nation, Oklahoma
Jun 25, 2014 23:34:38 GMT
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Post by rodeomom on Sept 8, 2017 3:25:02 GMT
Yes that would really bother me too! You have been there for 14 years and her only 3...... I don't know if I could live with that. But it really depends on if you are confident you could get another job? I think I would have to talk with the boss. I know I'm not much help.  I have been out of the work force for many years. So don't really know how to handle this. It would eat at me too. |
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Post by jumperhop on Sept 8, 2017 3:30:52 GMT
You can't go to your boss. I am so sorry I would feel punched in the gut too. I know it would have been hard not to see her numbers on the sheet but it's not something you you should have seen. It is none of your business how much money she makes.
The only thing you could do is get another job offer with more money and see if they will match it.
I am so sorry,
Jen
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Post by polkadotsusie on Sept 8, 2017 3:32:36 GMT
Yes that would really bother me too! You have been there for 14 years and her only 3...... I don't know if I could live with that. But it really depends on if you are confident you could get another job? I think I would have to talk with the boss. I know I'm not much help. I have been out of the work force for many years. So don't really know how to handle this. It would eat at me too. I am in a really specialized field. A new job in the field is just about impossible. I have always known I am underpaid, but I love the work I do. I get piddly little raises every year, which makes knowing how much this co worker makes even harder. I feel like I have made a lot of sacrifices because of my love for the job. I have accepted the little raises, all why my co worker is making twice what I make. UGH. |
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Post by jumperhop on Sept 8, 2017 3:35:36 GMT
Yes that would really bother me too! You have been there for 14 years and her only 3...... I don't know if I could live with that. But it really depends on if you are confident you could get another job? I think I would have to talk with the boss. I know I'm not much help. I have been out of the work force for many years. So don't really know how to handle this. It would eat at me too. I am in a really specialized field. A new job in the field is just about impossible. I have always known I am underpaid, but I love the work I do. I get piddly little raises every year, which makes knowing how much this co worker makes even harder. I feel like I have made a lot of sacrifices because of my love for the job. I have accepted the little raises, all why my co worker is making twice what I make. UGH. You could approach your boss by asking him for a raise. Tell them that you are underpaid, dedicated and you make sacrifices for the company and would like to stay. See what they say but keep your coworker out of it. Jen |
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rodeomom
Pearl Clutcher
Refupee # 380 "I don't have to run fast, I just have to run faster than you."
Posts: 3,718
Location: Chickasaw Nation, Oklahoma
Jun 25, 2014 23:34:38 GMT
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Post by rodeomom on Sept 8, 2017 3:37:19 GMT
Yes that would really bother me too! You have been there for 14 years and her only 3...... I don't know if I could live with that. But it really depends on if you are confident you could get another job? I think I would have to talk with the boss. I know I'm not much help. I have been out of the work force for many years. So don't really know how to handle this. It would eat at me too. I am in a really specialized field. A new job in the field is just about impossible. I have always known I am underpaid, but I love the work I do. I get piddly little raises every year, which makes knowing how much this co worker makes even harder. I feel like I have made a lot of sacrifices because of my love for the job. I have accepted the little raises, all why my co worker is making twice what I make. UGH. I wounder if you can still love your job knowing how much she makes? What do you think the boss will say? Do you think he will want to keep you? UGH is wright! I feel for you. |
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Post by polz on Sept 8, 2017 3:41:16 GMT
Everyone in my office is either on salary A B C or D. A being the highest. Lets say our salary band is called X. I will never get more money because I'm on A. Doesnt matter if I'm the best employee in the place. Thats just how it works. We get annual increases (not linked to performance) so I will get the same percentage payrise as the worst employee on A. Not fair but thems the breaks. My colleague is on C. She knows everyone else is on A. She has asked for and been denied salary A. They know that she needs the job. Life is not fair. Unless you are willing to walk you really have no cards to play.
The next salary band is Y. There is A B C and D on that band as well. I've been asked to fill in for someone on Band Y, Salary B. I've refused, because I"m not being offered his salary when I'm doing his job. Two other colleagues on Band X, Salary A have agreed to do the work. I think it decreses the value of all work and I bet when he leaves, they will decrease the salary to someting in Band X and then as we leave, decrease our salaries for the next people.
Sorry, no advice. It sucks, doesnt it?
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Post by bc2ca on Sept 8, 2017 3:43:13 GMT
How often do you get a salary review and raise? Where did she work prior to your company and what is her education level, especially compared to yours? I feel that there has to be a reason she came into the organization at a much higher rate and it's more than you are doing similar work, she brought some experience or education to the table that you don't have. Either you do a little research, find out what others in similar jobs with other organizations make and approach your boss asking for an increase or dust off your resume and look for another job. |
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Post by bc2ca on Sept 8, 2017 3:51:32 GMT
Yes that would really bother me too! You have been there for 14 years and her only 3...... I don't know if I could live with that. But it really depends on if you are confident you could get another job? I think I would have to talk with the boss. I know I'm not much help. I have been out of the work force for many years. So don't really know how to handle this. It would eat at me too. I am in a really specialized field. A new job in the field is just about impossible. I have always known I am underpaid, but I love the work I do. I get piddly little raises every year, which makes knowing how much this co worker makes even harder. I feel like I have made a lot of sacrifices because of my love for the job. I have accepted the little raises, all why my co worker is making twice what I make. UGH. You have to know what you are worth and what the job is worth. My mom shocked her manager years ago when she told him the offered increase was not good enough and she wanted $xxx. He had to clear it with the regional manager, but mom got the raise and a whole new level of respect in her office. Are they going to fire you if you ask for more? Be brave, be unemotional, have your facts and ask for what you think you are worth.  SaveSave |
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Post by pondrunner on Sept 8, 2017 3:54:57 GMT
There has to be a reason for this. I was in a similar situation where the salary schedule for my level of employees was accidentally left on a copier so I knew what everyone was making. I negotiated for more than was offered so I made more than some. One person made almost double my pay. I later learned that her hiring was very strategic and as a result she was able to demand a salary.
I think this happens all the time, we just don't see it because we don't know what everyone else makes. Once in a while we find out and that sucks but I think it's very common.
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Post by originalvanillabean on Sept 8, 2017 3:58:06 GMT
Be brave, be unemotional, have your facts and ask for what you think you are worth. This!! |
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Post by elaine on Sept 8, 2017 4:01:12 GMT
Do you have the same or more education and/or years of job experience in this particular field? If you have the same education and job experience, I would ask your supervisor about the pay discrepancy. If you have a lesser degree or less field experience (not with just this particular company) that may be the reason.
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Post by ~summer~ on Sept 8, 2017 4:06:04 GMT
Is there any way you can find the market rate for your position? Can you search something similar on salary.com?
The best thing would be to meet with your boss and layout an argument for why you deserve a raise - I would come with printouts on salary ranges for similar positions.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:35:53 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2017 5:02:28 GMT
I understand feeling punched. I would feel that way too.
But, often pay is not strictly by the job description. Usually those descriptions have "other duties as assigned" and your co-worker may have a skill set they really want but can't justify hiring a person just for those side skills so she gets a higher salary based on the secondary skills they might (or might not) use.
Experience outside of the company is also going to count as experience, so yes, you have 14 with the company and she has 3 with the company but education, experience, and contacts from outside the company is valued by the company too.
Longevity can end up being a negative to be honest. YOu can be a fantastic employee that knows the current system. But higher ups may be looking for fresh minds, alternate experiences and a new outlook on the same old job to get it moved out of a rut you find comfortable. They will pay for that "fresh" outlook.
You can talk to your boss about a raise. But don't be surprised to get told no or just a small one. you may need to really consider taking your experiences and going to a different company to be their fresh outlook. Or find a way to be ok with someone making significantly more than you.
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Post by chaosisapony on Sept 8, 2017 5:26:14 GMT
I recently found myself in a similar situation at the job I just left. And let me tell you, finding this information out was a major part of me deciding to leave. We were an office of 4 and the coworker in question had been there the longest. But she did the least amount of work. I am not exaggerating when I say I have never seen someone work that little. All day long it was personal phone calls, people coming in to visit her, her leaving for doctor's appointments, and the icing on the cake was when she started selling her MLM product on company time using the company computers. She also flat out lied on her time cards.
It was simply a ridiculous situation to begin with but when I found out, by accidental circumstance, just how much she got paid PLUS her massive Christmas bonus... well I just couldn't do it anymore.
I'm in a much better situation now. I hope everything works out for you!
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anniebygaslight
Drama Llama
I'd love a cup of tea. #1966
Posts: 7,412
Location: Third Rock from the sun.
Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Sept 8, 2017 6:30:33 GMT
Go and speak to your boss. Be honest about how you stumbled upon the information.
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Post by disneypal on Sept 8, 2017 9:52:15 GMT
Sadly, that is common....when you were hired 14 years ago, I am sure you were hired at the appropriate and competing salary at that time....the same holds true for her. In order to hire someone 3 years ago, they had to offer that rate to get them to accept.
The problem is, your increases have not kept up with the competitive salary rates - that happens because they probably don't have it in the budget to give substantial increases.
Do not hold this against your co-worker, it isn't her fault that she was hired at a higher salary.
My advice is to do 2 things.
1 - look on the web, find similar jobs, the salary and print those out (get at least 5)
2- go to your boss...be honest and tell him you saw the salaries, tell him you see comparable jobs have the same salary and ask him to review your job, your work and your years at the office and consider doing a salary adjustment.
He wont double your salary but perhaps you can suggest a 20% (or if you are bold, 30%) increase...
If if he doesn't or you are not satisfied with the increase, your remaining option is to look for another job.
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Post by Really Red on Sept 8, 2017 12:05:22 GMT
I have a similar situation. I am earning more money, but I have years more experience and more qualifications. I have way more responsibilities as well. I found out that person got the same title and only a little less money than I did. She is one year out of college. I was really upset and frustrated. First of all, why would you assume she earns more money? Are there specific reasons? Does she have more education? More years of experience in the field? What leads you to this thought? Gather your information as disneypal said. Make sure you include all responsibilities you have that are similar to those that your coworker has. Be honest about anything that is different. I'd even start with asking your boss nicely if he can explain the great disparity. Twice a salary is no small thing!!! Make sure your salary on the proposal was correct, too. Because maybe they inflate the salary? I would feel absolutely sick, just like you. I am sorry. I honestly don't think you can recover from something like this, regardless of what they do. You have to think what you want. I don't work on Mondays and that, for me, is what convinced me to stay in my job (plus, I like my job). |
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Dalai Mama
Drama Llama
La Pea Boheme
Posts: 6,985
Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Sept 8, 2017 12:10:17 GMT
Go and speak to your boss. Be honest about how you stumbled upon the information. This. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:35:53 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2017 12:26:34 GMT
Happens all the time in nursing. New hires generally have higher starting pay and long term nurses end up making much less even with performance based raises. I think this contributes to nurses changing jobs frequently since employers are competitive to attract nurses. Not many are great at keeping them.
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Sept 8, 2017 13:08:52 GMT
Yes that would really bother me too! You have been there for 14 years and her only 3...... I don't know if I could live with that. But it really depends on if you are confident you could get another job? I think I would have to talk with the boss. I know I'm not much help. I have been out of the work force for many years. So don't really know how to handle this. It would eat at me too. I am in a really specialized field. A new job in the field is just about impossible. I have always known I am underpaid, but I love the work I do. I get piddly little raises every year, which makes knowing how much this co worker makes even harder. I feel like I have made a lot of sacrifices because of my love for the job. I have accepted the little raises, all why my co worker is making twice what I make. UGH. I think you can and you should go to your boss. But do it on your own merit. Be prepared. Explain why you think you deserve to make more money... do your homework, find what other people in your field/similar job make. Explain as you have been there 14 years... your salary has not kept up with the field, and you are aware that others in similar positions are making XX% more than you. You need to be professional and without emotion and be prepared to be told no. disneypal said it better. |
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scrappinmama
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,672
Jun 26, 2014 12:54:09 GMT
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Post by scrappinmama on Sept 8, 2017 13:24:45 GMT
I agree with pondrunner. It happens all the time. I'm so sorry you found out the salary. I would be so angry if I was you. It's a slap in the face. That's exactly why HR should be so careful when it comes to these things.
In this case, you need to be professional about it. If you are going to go to your boss, be prepared to show them why you deserve higher pay. Have it all written down what you have done for the company. Good luck to you! I hope you get a raise.
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garcia5050
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,815 
Location: So. Calif.
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Post by garcia5050 on Sept 8, 2017 13:35:50 GMT
if you were hired at a lower rate and increases did not keep up with the going rate, then it sounds like you do need to argue about getting a parity increase (I could be using this term wrong and I didn't google, but a parity increase would bring you up to a level with your peers). Twice, I've gotten a pretty significant increase, outside of my merit increase, to accommodate for the job market. My boss asked for help with research to justify, and we gladly provided it.
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Post by annabella on Sept 8, 2017 13:42:55 GMT
At my previous job a woman got a new job offer and showed that letter to our boss and he matched their salary offer to give her quite the bump to get her to stay.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:35:53 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2017 16:56:36 GMT
Clearly you need to solicit your resume around to other employers and get yourself an offer of employment at the higher level of pay (like your coworker). Then use it as leverage.
No employer is going to voluntarily give you a raise because some other employee is making more than you. That's not how it works. You have to stand up for yourself.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:35:53 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 8, 2017 17:00:26 GMT
Go and speak to your boss. Be honest about how you stumbled upon the information. Thats really bad advice. |
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Post by scrapperal on Sept 8, 2017 17:13:29 GMT
At my previous job a woman got a new job offer and showed that letter to our boss and he matched their salary offer to give her quite the bump to get her to stay. Before you go this route, keep in mind that many companies don't "price match" because their reasoning is you're already ready to walk out the door (since you went job hunting) and they won't be able to keep matching higher and higher job offers. If that's your company's policy, you've just marked yourself as someone who isn't loyal to the company. Getting market comps for your job is a better way to go, as many previous posters mentioned. Save |
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Post by lisacharlotte on Sept 8, 2017 17:19:55 GMT
a meeting for a raise should never EVER include anything along the lines of, "But Susan makes more than me". What Susan makes is none of your business and the employer is not going to tell you why they are paying her more.
You have to justify why you deserve an increase. That means you have to do your homework and find out what the going rate is for your job now, not when you were hired. Then make your case. If you can't get over it you need to seriously look for another job that will pay you what you're worth.
I've been in your shoes. It's worth it to me to keep the job with lower pay for the freedom and autonomy i wouldn't get in another position. That may not be the case for you.
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I have been out of the work force for many years. So don't really know how to handle this. It would eat at me too.
