Asking for a bigger raise

[Anonymous]

I just found out (totally by accident) that a co-worker makes significantly more than I do. We are in the same position, she has less education and less experience. She gets worse reviews than I do. I have gotten TOP reviews for the entire time I've been at the company (7 years). Naturally, I'm pissed. Now I can totally understand why HR wants this information kept confidential. Mind you, she didn't reveal it on purpose and I didn't ask for it. We were looking at a scale of how much we'll have to pay for health benefits next year and she pointed to the category that she falls under which reviled her salary range. It's raise time, and I think my raise should reflect my experience and what I bring to the company. Would you ask for an increase if you were in my position?

[Anonymous]

Yes, I would. But I don't think I would approach it as "I know X makes more than me" but rather the points you said here. Top reviews, been there 7 years, what you bring to the company, etc.

That said, I wonder if she thought the category meant household income rather than her individual salary?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, I would. But I don't think I would approach it as "I know X makes more than me" but rather the points you said here. Top reviews, been there 7 years, what you bring to the company, etc.

That said, I wonder if she thought the category meant household income rather than her individual salary?

OP here. I would absolutely never involve her in this conversation. I just want to be compensated according to my experience and education.

[Anonymous]

This is why I left my last job. Once I left the company called me back and tried to re-hire me at my co-worker's salary, finally acknowledging that I was under paid. They would not give me more than the coworker because that would raise the bar for my peers. So I've stayed put at the new position. She's left making XX, while I'm making an initial 20% increase, set to be 40% increase next month (already promoted to a higher position).

It's likely that they won't give you a bigger raise. At that point you have to decide to let it go or make a move.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is why I left my last job. Once I left the company called me back and tried to re-hire me at my co-worker's salary, finally acknowledging that I was under paid. They would not give me more than the coworker because that would raise the bar for my peers. So I've stayed put at the new position. She's left making XX, while I'm making an initial 20% increase, set to be 40% increase next month (already promoted to a higher position).

It's likely that they won't give you a bigger raise. At that point you have to decide to let it go or make a move.

Op here. That's what I was afraid of. I guess I really have nothing to lose by asking right. Obviously I have some time invested in this job, but I also know my potential. I'm certain I can make at least my current salary somewhere if they say no. It just left me feeling very bitter today.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is why I left my last job. Once I left the company called me back and tried to re-hire me at my co-worker's salary, finally acknowledging that I was under paid. They would not give me more than the coworker because that would raise the bar for my peers. So I've stayed put at the new position. She's left making XX, while I'm making an initial 20% increase, set to be 40% increase next month (already promoted to a higher position).

It's likely that they won't give you a bigger raise. At that point you have to decide to let it go or make a move.

Op here. That's what I was afraid of. I guess I really have nothing to lose by asking right. Obviously I have some time invested in this job, but I also know my potential. I'm certain I can make at least my current salary somewhere if they say no. It just left me feeling very bitter today.

Also, don't call it a raise. It's a salary adjustment that you seek. Raises are often set by management based on profits (5% for top performers, 3% for average, 0 for below average). If you ask for something bigger, they can use the scale as a cop-out.

[Anonymous]

^ the range was obviously just an example...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is why I left my last job. Once I left the company called me back and tried to re-hire me at my co-worker's salary, finally acknowledging that I was under paid. They would not give me more than the coworker because that would raise the bar for my peers. So I've stayed put at the new position. She's left making XX, while I'm making an initial 20% increase, set to be 40% increase next month (already promoted to a higher position).

It's likely that they won't give you a bigger raise. At that point you have to decide to let it go or make a move.

Op here. That's what I was afraid of. I guess I really have nothing to lose by asking right. Obviously I have some time invested in this job, but I also know my potential. I'm certain I can make at least my current salary somewhere if they say no. It just left me feeling very bitter today.

Also, don't call it a raise. It's a salary adjustment that you seek. Raises are often set by management based on profits (5% for top performers, 3% for average, 0 for below average). If you ask for something bigger, they can use the scale as a cop-out.

Very good advice! Thank you!

[Anonymous]

HR Bitch: Yes. Do it. Men do, all the time. Women rarely do, and when they do they almost always get it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:HR Bitch: Yes. Do it. Men do, all the time. Women rarely do, and when they do they almost always get it.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. I'm going to schedule a meeting with HR as soon as I can and just approach with like "I've been here long enough, proved myself, time to pay me accordingly." Right? Any other tips?

[Anonymous]

If you know what range you should be, make sure that you let them know that your "research" has indicated that fair market value for your skills should be $xxx-$yyy, and you feel that you are underpaid for your responsibilities and performance.

Then wait for their response.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you know what range you should be, make sure that you let them know that your "research" has indicated that fair market value for your skills should be $xxx-$yyy, and you feel that you are underpaid for your responsibilities and performance.

Then wait for their response.

I absolutely know what the range is and I'll ask for the higher end mostly because i expect they'll try to negotiate. good point about research. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Good luck. I'm pulling a similar game next week. I make $200k now and just got an offer for $275k. I plan to plop it on their desk and ask for a match to stay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good luck. I'm pulling a similar game next week. I make $200k now and just got an offer for $275k. I plan to plop it on their desk and ask for a match to stay.

Good luck to you too! And congrats on the offer.

[Anonymous]

Don't forget sometimes staying at a job too long hurts your salary. This coworker may have come after you when they were willing to pay more or that was the market rate. Sometimes it's best to move around every few years to get that good salary boost. Raises will rarely get you anywhere near a true salary increase. Good luck when you ask!!!