Asking for a payrise, politely

TooledUP

Hi,

I am gainfully employed and I like my job very much. However I know I am severely underpaid in respect to my colleagues, but on par with the average for the job.

I have asked several times to get a raise to bring me in line with my colleagues. It is a very specialist role. I keep getting told times are tight. The company made record profits again this year.

However the department has a budget measured in hundreds of millions. Seriously.

The guys I sit alongside and have been there the same time, give or take however one is paid approx 30 more than me and the other one is paid over 100% more than me for a very similar job, although the last one is a bit more senior.

I got a small payrise a few months back but I would like somewhere near parity. I keep getting told they cant afford it.

I may have another job offer at the desired money and above (well several actually), but I don't want them. I like where I work. I like the people. I like what I do. They have the money. I just feel annoyed at the monetary difference for almost the same job.

I would stay if they matched it or almost match it, but I don't want to be seen to be holding them to ransom.

It would cost a lot more than I am asking to find a new person, everything considered.

I realise I am lucky to be employed but i'm sure you can see why I am annoyed, and I have interviews and offers coming out my ears.

Thoughts ?

hcb42

Take the other job. Put your notice in, they may try and keep you, but if I were you I would go, you will never know the missed opportunity if you dont

caeler

Personally (knowing the relationship I have with my boss/company) I'd be honest, I'd explain that I'd like my salary increased but I'd be prepared to hand over the evidence and that would not include 'others are paid more' and 'it's not fair', I'd try to describe the benefit I bring to the company, how I am helping to deliver it's goals, I want to be part of the future, etc. Then you can start to have a constructive discussion about what you need to do to obtain a decent payrise. I've seen others threaten to leave or actually resign and negotiate a deal but I personally don't respect that method.