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Post by Darcy Collins on Sept 8, 2017 17:37:40 GMT
I think you need to be very honest with yourself and what you're welling to do before taking some of the advice above. It doesn't sound like you are in the exact same job as your co-worker - she may have more opportunities in your area. If what you said above: "a new job is just about impossible," you have little negotiating leverage. You can bring in national, market data for your field, but if your employer knows they have no competition for you, and you have no intention of moving, it's really not that relevant. Are you willing to quit? If you aren't willing to leave your current job, do NOT under any circumstances put a competing offer in front of them and tell them they need to match it. Are YOU particularly hard to replace? You can absolutely go in and negotiate, but do NOT state an ultimatum that you're not willing to back up. But if you have a particularly difficult to replace skill and it would be hard for the company to find someone else, you DO have leverage. People are often surprised that salaries have a lot less to do with fair and how comparable a job description seems - and a whole lot more to do with how difficult it is to fill, train and keep people in a particular job. I've had situations where two seemingly similar employees were paid dramatically different salaries. In this case, their job titles weren't even different - BUT one had knowledge in a particular field that was specialized and extremely hard to replace AND firms were always trying to poach people.
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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 18:09:55 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. My employer did. |
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Post by anonrefugee on Sept 8, 2017 18:15:06 GMT
Go and speak to your boss. Be honest about how you stumbled upon the information. Thats really bad advice. I wouldn't go so far to label this bad advice... But it's not a good strategy to base a raise request on another employee. Talk about your own merits. Reference how long you've worked there, and they've saved money by not having to break-in a replacement. Note that by not job hopping you have missed increases on the salary ladder that people get when they change jobs. Stay calm and understand none of this is about you vs the other employee. It's probably not malicious towards you, just an owner or manager watching the bottom line and forgetting about individual consequences. This is an unexpected opportunity, good luck! |
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Post by polkadotsusie on Sept 8, 2017 18:19:50 GMT
You have all given me a lot to think about.
I will try to answer some questions/clarify some things as much as I feel comfortable doing. I'm just a little skittish after seeing what has happened to other people here over the years.
There literally is no where else in my city I can get a job doing what I do now in the same type of place. I don't have any super-special skills, it's just the industry. Honestly, there is nothing special about my job that someone else couldn't also do. I'm not that special. LOL My co worker and I both have a bachelor degree, but her degree is more specialized than mine. The thing is that there is truly not one thing that she does that has really anything to do with her degree...if she were to quit and they replaced her, it would not have to be someone with her degree. If that makes sense. Like I said before, we do some of the same things, but even the things she does that I don't, I could do. Her job is not any more specialized than mine. I can pretty much guarantee that the only reason she makes so much more is because of the particular degree she has, even though the degree isn't important to the job. She could however, leave and get a much higher paying job than the one she has now.
I know that I could too. The thing is, I truly love the work I do, and I can't imagine doing anything else. I need to figure out if I can keep doing and loving my job knowing what I now know. It just sucks.
I would not ever make any demands that I need to make what she makes or I will leave. I have a great relationship with my boss, and I know she would be really upset if I were to leave. She hasn't been there very long either, and she tells me all the time that she wouldn't want to do her job without me. I know that she would probably feel terrible if she knew that I found out how much this co worker makes. I'm not the kind of person who would ever make ultimatums. If I do decide to look for another job and find one, I will not use it as leverage to stay, I will just go.
I need to decide if I am okay continuing my job knowing what I know or if it's a deal breaker and I need to look for something else.
Thanks for all of your thoughts and suggestions. This has been really hard for me, and I just can't figure out how to get past it. I wish I had never seen it, I know that.
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Post by wezee on Sept 8, 2017 19:15:48 GMT
Honestly, I would be upfront that you were able to see through the sharpie. Tell them that while you understand some difference in pay, this was in your words "a punch in the gut". I wouldn't make any rash decisions. But don't sell yourself short.
Let them take it from there. if it was me I would be prepared to quit if they didn't make the pay more equatable. I know I'm probably in the minority but it isn't about the amount of money, I would feel like I was duped. I really value appreciation for a job well done, money really is secondary to me. I bend over backward for an employer as long as I'm appreciated and respected. I would be wondering what else am I not aware of?
I would feel cheated. I couldn't stay knowing that I was "played". That's just my opinion.
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Post by wezee on Sept 8, 2017 19:19:15 GMT
Go and speak to your boss. Be honest about how you stumbled upon the information. I agree! |
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Post by utmr on Sept 8, 2017 19:30:49 GMT
Go and speak to your boss. Be honest about how you stumbled upon the information. I agree! This could get turned around against you so easily. "The info was blacked out so you had to make an effort to find it ". (Never mind that it was easy to see through). "Our company policy prohibits trying to learn other employees salaries, therefore you violated policy and will be fired/disciplined" Be very cautious if you take this route. |
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PrettyInPeank
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,691 
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Sept 8, 2017 19:37:17 GMT
I would absolutely never reveal that you know your co-worker's salary and how. You had to really look through that sharpie to see those numbers. Sorta like looking through a crack in a bathroom stall. It's supposed to be private, but it's not 100%. You peeked, and admitting that looks bad.
That said, I totally would have looked, too.
This is one of the reasons women are paid less. We are generally more emotionally tied to business matters, and we're afraid to hurt feelings or make someone mad. Stop that right now! Your boss is your boss. This is business. She is your boss before friend.
You absolutely deserve more. Tonight think long and hard about what you are worth. Think of the things you could have or done with that loss of salary. Let's say a 25% loss (not double since she does have a speacialized degree). Could you have afforded to visit family at Christmas? Did you put up with an outdated kitchen? Could you have built up your retirement? What about that vacation you long for?
Think of it all, and flip your sadness anf get a little angry. Healthy angry. Then you'll feel like you deserve it. Then write that letter.
One of the most enlightening and empowering things I ever did as a woman was ask for a raise. I had to really build up up thick skin and feel like I truly was worth it. That hell yeah I am worth it. I remember thinking, act like a man and find your balls. And I did. And I got a raise.
You mentioned two options: deal with it or quit. Well, there's a third option. Find your self-worth and value and ask for a raise. We can help you draft a letter if you'd like. Good luck!
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Post by polkadotsusie on Sept 8, 2017 19:49:51 GMT
No, I really didn't have to look that hard. It was obvious. It's not like I held it up to the window or anything. The second I saw it, I was shocked. I couldn't believe that the person who scribbled it out didn't notice that what was underneath was still visible.
ETA: My eyesight isn't even all that great. LOL I have to wear glasses to even read on the computer.
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Post by polkadotsusie on Sept 8, 2017 19:54:10 GMT
Honestly, I would be upfront that you were able to see through the sharpie. Tell them that while you understand some difference in pay, this was in your words "a punch in the gut". I wouldn't make any rash decisions. But don't sell yourself short. Let them take it from there. if it was me I would be prepared to quit if they didn't make the pay more equatable. I know I'm probably in the minority but it isn't about the amount of money, I would feel like I was duped. I really value appreciation for a job well done, money really is secondary to me. I bend over backward for an employer as long as I'm appreciated and respected. I would be wondering what else am I not aware of? I would feel cheated. I couldn't stay knowing that I was "played". That's just my opinion. I think this sums up perfectly how I feel. I have always known the pay was low, but I love the work I do, so it was a trade off. I put my heart and soul into my job. I have events I am in charge of that fall on weekends, and I have missed out on things in my personal life because of that. This is not a job that is left behind at the end of the day. I am at the beck and call of people via email/facebook on weekends and holidays and nights. I could go on and on. |
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Post by Clair on Sept 8, 2017 20:33:13 GMT
I agree with those who said do NOT tell them you have this info and how you found out.
My experience as a compensation manager many years ago is that you should not use a coworkers info when negotiating salary.
In this case, if you bring it up, you are showing your employer that you can't handle private information in a professional manner. In fact, at my company, if you brought up a coworkers salary - when you had access to that as part of your job, they would begin the termination process.
If you want an salary adjustment, you need to show why you are worth more to them and give them some competitive market data.
There is always a chance they will raise your salary if you ask why you are getting paid less than your coworker but - it is a big gamble.
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Post by paperamy on Sept 8, 2017 21:02:00 GMT
I agree with those who said do NOT tell them you have this info and how you found out. My experience as a compensation manager many years ago is that you should not use a coworkers info when negotiating salary. In this case, if you bring it up, you are showing your employer that you can't handle private information in a professional manner. In fact, at my company, if you brought up a coworkers salary - when you had access to that as part of your job, they would begin the termination process. If you want an salary adjustment, you need to show why you are worth more to them and give them some competitive market data. There is always a chance they will raise your salary if you ask why you are getting paid less than your coworker but - it is a big gamble. A thousand times this. At a previous job, I was in IT but I had to run reports for payroll when they had issues with batches not posting correctly. I knew exactly how much my colleagues made and how much their yearly bonuses were, because I had to analyze the data to determine what didn't post correctly. I would have been immediately fired had I tried to use this information to my advantage. Doesn't matter how you found out, even had the data NOT been marked out, if you have access to personnel information for whatever reason, whether it is accidental or part of your job, you cannot disclose this or use it to leverage salary discussions for yourself. Good luck with whatever you decide to do but be very careful. |
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Post by katlaw on Sept 8, 2017 21:29:50 GMT
I ended up leaving a job based on salary disparity. We had a board of directors and were told that the board had announced that annual raises could be up to 6%.
I arrived at work on time, never left early, never took longer breaks than allowed, stayed late if asked to, came in early if asked to, got praise for my work from my boss and co-workers and you know what all of that got me? 3%
And the co-worker who was always late, called in sick all the time, used her work time to paint her nails and chat with her boyfriend and went out for a smoke break with the boss every hour got the 6%.
It really opened my eyes to the kind of place I wanted to work. As long as I let stuff like that happen I would be stuck. I started job hunting and ended up getting my dream job. Now I make more money and I am proud of what I do.
I never would have looked if that had not happened.
What do I think you should do? Find out what your type of job pays elsewhere and have a meeting with your boss. It sounds like the company has not kept up with the times and what is market value for your job. Ask for a raise.
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scrapaddie
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,090
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Post by scrapaddie on Sept 8, 2017 21:48:06 GMT
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?
It was in the op... she saw a list of salaries
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Post by polkadotsusie on Sept 8, 2017 22:12:52 GMT
Okay, so most of you convinced me NOT to tell my boss what I know. I won't.
I will have to decide whether or not I am going to actively look for another job, but in the mean time, how in the world do I get out of my own head so that I can still go to work each day? I am coming upon my really busy "season" with 6 events I am in charge of from now until the end of the year, plus another big event that I am not in charge of, but a key player in. Right now, I don't know how I am even going to drag myself into the office on Monday, much less how I am going to be able to put on my happy face and do what I need to do.
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PrettyInPeank
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,691
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Sept 8, 2017 23:41:34 GMT
Okay, so most of you convinced me NOT to tell my boss what I know. I won't. I will have to decide whether or not I am going to actively look for another job, but in the mean time, how in the world do I get out of my own head so that I can still go to work each day? I am coming upon my really busy "season" with 6 events I am in charge of from now until the end of the year, plus another big event that I am not in charge of, but a key player in. Right now, I don't know how I am even going to drag myself into the office on Monday, much less how I am going to be able to put on my happy face and do what I need to do. The only way is to be grateful for what you have. Sounds cliché, but it's true. Think of how happy the job makes you anyway, and redirect your focus. I'm sure someone here has great techniques on redirecting your thoughts or emotions they can share. I'm sorry you're not being properly compensated. I hope you get a fantastic raise soon. |
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cycworker
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,556
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Post by cycworker on Sept 8, 2017 23:50:37 GMT
Okay, so most of you convinced me NOT to tell my boss what I know. I won't. I will have to decide whether or not I am going to actively look for another job, but in the mean time, how in the world do I get out of my own head so that I can still go to work each day? I am coming upon my really busy "season" with 6 events I am in charge of from now until the end of the year, plus another big event that I am not in charge of, but a key player in. Right now, I don't know how I am even going to drag myself into the office on Monday, much less how I am going to be able to put on my happy face and do what I need to do. Think strategically about it. Do those events with the idea you're going to leverage your quality work on them into a request for a raise. And talk to a recruiter about ways to take your experience & market yourself to other employers so you have even more leverage. I know you've stated the same job doesn't really exist in your location, but I think in this case that's ok. You could well have skills that are transferable into a different field. |
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PrettyInPeank
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,691
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Sept 8, 2017 23:57:55 GMT
cycworker that's an excellent idea. Handle this season's work by showcasing your best work, then use it as a portfolio of sorts to ask for your raise. You've got this!
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Post by polkadotsusie on Sept 9, 2017 0:11:35 GMT
Okay, so most of you convinced me NOT to tell my boss what I know. I won't. I will have to decide whether or not I am going to actively look for another job, but in the mean time, how in the world do I get out of my own head so that I can still go to work each day? I am coming upon my really busy "season" with 6 events I am in charge of from now until the end of the year, plus another big event that I am not in charge of, but a key player in. Right now, I don't know how I am even going to drag myself into the office on Monday, much less how I am going to be able to put on my happy face and do what I need to do. Think strategically about it. Do those events with the idea you're going to leverage your quality work on them into a request for a raise. And talk to a recruiter about ways to take your experience & market yourself to other employers so you have even more leverage. I know you've stated the same job doesn't really exist in your location, but I think in this case that's ok. You could well have skills that are transferable into a different field. Yes, my skills will enable me to get a job at many different places. I guess I haven't been clear. I can get another job, most likely making more money. But the work that I do/the place I work is, well, I guess you could say unique. THAT is what I love about the work that I do. It's never felt like just a job. It's really a passion more than a job. The other issue is that I am kind of well known in my field, and I also serve on the board of an organization that I love, that deals with the field I work in. If I leave this job for just some other job, I will probably not be able to keep my board position as I will no longer be working in the field. I know this all sounds very vague, and I am sorry for that. I just don't know how else to explain it. |
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Post by polkadotsusie on Sept 9, 2017 0:14:03 GMT
cycworker that's an excellent idea. Handle this season's work by showcasing your best work, then use it as a portfolio of sorts to ask for your raise. You've got this! I have already been pulling things together that I have done to start a portfolio. I am pretty proud of the things I have done, and I will do my best to throw myself into planning my upcoming events. Thank you both. |
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snyder
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,493
Location: Colorado
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Post by snyder on Sept 9, 2017 1:44:43 GMT
I would absolutely not mention this to your boss, though it is sickening. Also, can you double check that you read the numbers right? If it does come up, you'd feel like a fool, if by chance the numbers looked like one thing, but were actually another.
I too would research your job. Every state has labor market data, but you can find info from other areas and a combination of places with info is better than info from 1 or 2 sites. List the responsibilities and job description you find. Compare yours to those you have listed. You have to show your boss you meet and exceed those responsibilities. Good Luck! And hopefully you can get some decent sleep. That definitely is something I would loose sleep over.
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