Am I being taken advantage of?

DKLS

melysion wrote: »

Yes. Don't tell me this happens all the time right? Even if this is the case it doesn't explain why my colleague gets a promotion for doing virtually nothing extra and I don't get one despite increased responsibilies.

I won't say its common to all publishers as I haven't worked at them all!, but the three I have worked at it wasnt uncommon, especially during and after the annual re-org. I am meeting an old colleague on Monday night to catchup on the gossip on the latest re-shuffle, although I can hazard a guess, as it looks like my old directors job is being advertised online, which the usual trick would be to merge the roles of two jobs into one new one, don't let the existing person apply and either stick a cheque in their face to get rid, or send them to the publishing equivalent of siberia.

If I was you I would bring this up with your line manager and discuss the additional responsibilities, and basically help him/her to justify a change of title, appropriate raise etc.

Gavin83

melysion wrote: »

Seeing as I have been in the job less than two years the asking for a pay rise is probably too risky. New job it is then. I don't want to be taken for a ride. Why don't employers ever want to treat their staff properly?

What have you got to lose? Surely it's worth asking if your considering leaving anyway, the worst they can say is no. I'd also request a change of job title to reflect your new responsibilities.

The other alternative is you do the job on your current salary and bring it up in 6 months time, saying you've taken on this extra responsibility and proved yourself capable for the role.

Your choice. I wouldn't however just walk away without even trying. Just be clear how much more you want before you ask and be realistic here.

szam_

melysion wrote: »

Yes. Don't tell me this happens all the time right? Even if this is the case it doesn't explain why my colleague gets a promotion for doing virtually nothing extra and I don't get one despite increased responsibilies.

Happens in all sectors. I'm now the most senior member of my team and whilst increased responsibility seems to gravitate towards me even if I don't want it, it has naturally happened here simply due to staff turnover numbers.

We're getting a new team leader, who will be on more and probably have more benefits, i.e. company car or car allowance, but I guarantee my responsibilities will still be greater as the new TL will be coming in externally from the current team.

My last job, after 3 months I was "second in command" I suppose you can call it. Ahead of guys who'd been there 8+ years, and were over double my age. No pay rise, still paid less or the same as the existing guys.

Some people just seem to be seen as having those capabilities I suppose, and such responsibility naturally gravitates toward them, whether welcomed or not - I've come to the conclusion I am one of these types, even though I prefer to get my head down and do a good job and improve my technical skills, rather than get involved in the politics of it all that management typically handle.

My advice would be if you cannot seem to make something of it, in terms of a better package and bigger influence, move on to somewhere that is willing to reward that responsibility, doesn't have to be a big step up, mind you.

I'm speaking from an experience I am currently going through in which I'm repeatedly told I'm someone they want to keep hold of quite badly as I have "great potential", but have been messed around more than I care to describe. I'll be exploring options in the new year, when I can spare the time to as I have a few other things outside of work I need to get sorted prior to that.

Good luck, anyway!

BJV

I am an employer. Ok not in the publishing world but tbh, forgot all the plans and negotiating etc. I think I would just die laughing if someone did a structured presentation as to why the should have a pay rise. If your manager of boss is so stupid as to not see what you do then a detailed argument is not going to change their mind. Just be completely honest with your boss. Tell him or her the truth, tell them that you want to move within the company and go for it.


P.S not all employers hate, abuse or take advantage of their staff. Instead for us we pamper and heavily reward loyalty and hard work. Conversely we have 0% tolerance or office politics, laziness and un-trust-worthiness.

Derwent

melysion wrote: »

As it so happens the job itself is a little dead end and I want to laterally move to another part of the business at some point so perhaps I can ask for training opportunities rather than a wage rise (boss does know my eventual aspirations).

Anyway. Thanks again. I'll have a think regarding how to tackle it next week but I do know I don't want to be taken for a ride.

Sometimes it is not about the immediate tangible reward. If you have aspirations to further your career then take some time to consider the intangible value of how it will enhance your CV to have these additional responsibilities. They may not have an immediate monetary effect but could be the thing that gives you the advantage when you apply for the next step in your career.

BoJangles_2

According to some, expecting an employee to arrive 5 minutes early to work is taking advantage so yes, this is an absolute outrage!

In seriousness though, I think it is good in one respect as you can prove that you can do the job, but don't let it drag on for too long. Make sure it is the main topic in your appraisal.

szam_

BoJangles wrote: »

According to some, expecting an employee to arrive 5 minutes early to work is taking advantage so yes, this is an absolute outrage!

In seriousness though, I think it is good in one respect as you can prove that you can do the job, but don't let it drag on for too long. Make sure it is the main topic in your appraisal.

I guess my employer is taking the **** allowing me to sometimes start 45 minutes early to prepare for any early meetings or hosting any training sessions

I honestly don't mind, I believe in doing the best job I can, whether I take some of my own time to do it or not. If it's working over the weekend or something, then yeah, I do get paid a decent rate for things such as that.

Savvy_Sue

melysion wrote: »

I'm going to sit down with my boss next week to discuss it all. I don't hafe any objection to proving myself worthy before getting rewarded officially so perhaps I should go for that angle.

TBH I'd go for the reward now, now when you've proved yourself. That way you get two bites at the cherry, one now and one when you've proved yourself!

theoretica

On the other side of the coin, of course an employer expects more of you now you have settled in than when you first joined and needed to learn the ropes etc. And the lowest paid members of the team quite often get pay rises when no-one else does - when minimum wage goes up most directors don't get pay rises.

Certainly seeing if you can negotiate the pay or title you want seems reasonable, but don't let your happiness and self worth rely on comparisons with other people.

melysion

Thanks for all the advice so far. Much appreciated