Pay rise help

Drumstation

I have recently come through a merger. The new firm is good. Good people with the right resources and drive behind them. I’ve not had a pay rise in 5 years and in comparison my salary is very low.

A competing firm in town has been in touch with me. I met with my equivalent last night. Now the director wants to meet with me for a chat - the manager I met is moving to a different area and therefore leaving. Salary etc hasn’t been discussed but I know the pay will be much higher than my current level.

I don’t want to leave my current employer but I do need a pay rise.

I know I have to ask and they may say yes but they may say no. Probably no as the merger was only 6 months ago.

Do I tell them that the other firm has been in touch, ie they’ve contacted me? I feel like I’m almost saying give me a raise or I’ll speak with the other firm further.

Under the old firm pre merger I’d been there 14 years so all of this is completely alien to me.

Any advice is appreciated.

getmore4less

6 months is long enough to know the company and discuss remuneration.

Explain your value to the company achievements etc.

No need to discuss alternatives yet.

Give them a chance to show you are valued, if they don't respond positively then you know where you stand.

14 years is a lot of service to give up so be sure any new job reasonably secure.
(if local you will have an idea of reputation)

The other question is why have you not raised the issue before?

Drumstation

Under the old firm before the merger, I had young kids in school, the old firm were flexible so I could do sports day, bake sales etc. School is just over the road. I could work from home etc when needed.

Now the merger is through, kids are older etc it’s different.

Drumstation

I should say I did ask pre merger but I was told that the merger was going through and to wait for new employer. Don’t know if that was wise now.

Soot2006

I was in a similar situation a few years ago, and I dithered for ages. In the end I went to see my new boss and explained I'd been offered another opportunity. He said he'd match it. It was a surprisingly easy conversation, no discussion or negotiation ... I think I'd been undervaluing myself for a long time but my company is not the type to take the first step ....

getmore4less

If you have to say you are leaving to get a pay rise you can't trust the employer they are happy to under pay you.

If they offer to match ask for it to be backdated as a sign they value your contributions

kazwookie

Go and see your boss / HR and discuss the matter with them first, don't tell them about the other company.

Once you have done that you will know where you stand, and be able to make a choice as to what to do.

TELLIT01

You have nothing to lose by asking about a payrise. If they say no or waffle on then really you have your answer about how much they value you. I agree with getmore4less, if the only way to get a payrise is by threatening to leave the company isn't worth worrying about.

getmore4less

How did the other company get to know about you?

Drumstation

Small town where we live. We also socialise together through work events.

JReacher1

getmore4less wrote: »

If you have to say you are leaving to get a pay rise you can't trust the employer they are happy to under pay you.

If they offer to match ask for it to be backdated as a sign they value your contributions

Asking for it to be back dated is not realistic at all, I would not suggest you do that.

Ask your manager for a pay rise. If they say no then take the new opportunity with the competing firm. As long as you leave on good terms you could come back in the future. Just make it clear when you resign that the only reason is financial. If you are good at your job they will offer you a payrise to stay.