Feel like I'm getting screwed at work

[musclestack]

I'll try to make this short and sweet. There has been a proposal for a shifting in roles/responsibilities within our company due to a long-time employee retiring soon. So, my co-worker will be taking on the job of the retiring person, along with keeping a portion of his current work load, and I will be responsible for a portion of the work that once belonged to my co-worker. So, a couple weeks ago, said co-worker had a meeting with the manager about negotiating the terms of the new role, along with the compensation that goes along with it. I, on the other hand, have been offered no such meeting and have basically been 'thrown' into the new responsibilities. I have stayed away from even speaking about the new changes in the past month or so because I didn't even want to make anyone believe I was excited about the new responsibilities without first talking about it with my direct supervisor and negotiating terms. He very briefly, a couple months ago, mentioned that I would be taking on a new small role and that I would be compensated for it, but there was no detail discussed at all.

This morning, we had a meeting (myself, my supervisor, and my co-worker) about certain things that I had to make sure get accomplished in the next week that are related to the new position. So, here I am, already starting this role, without discussing any added compensation for the new work load. Keep in mind, my co-worker NEGOTIATED the proposed terms, meaning he had every right to refuse the work if he didn't agree with the terms. Here I am being thrown into new work without not only deciding if I wanted it or not, but not even discussing how I too could benefit from it.

A few details, for what it's worth:

*Co-worker has been with the company for 15+ years
*I have been with the company for about 2 years
*We both report to the same person
*Co-worker, admittedly, is taking on more work than I am. He will still be handling a large part of his current role, along with taking on a large part of his new role. I will continue handling my current workload, and taking on a small part of his work load, although an important part.
*I do not know the terms my co-worker and manager agreed on (i.e. how much he's being compensated).

I feel like I'm being walked on here. How would you handle this? If my boss comes to me after the new year and gives me a small amount of pay increase and a pat on the back, I believe it will be time to look for a new job.

[RaginCajun]

If I were you, I would set up another meeting with just your supervisor and tell him that you and he/she never did discuss/compromise any compensation for the new role set forth. Just reiterate that he mentioned this to you a few months back and that you are ready to discuss it now.

[212OlympiaBound]

You know the parable of the workers at the vinyard?

If you're happy with the job and satisfied with the pay, then keep at it. No point in comparing yourself to your coworkers.

[musclestack]

You know the parable of the workers at the vinyard?

If you're happy with the job and satisfied with the pay, then keep at it. No point in comparing yourself to your coworkers.

I'm familiar with it, but I never did agree with it. I can't imagine myself going through life where people, who I consider my 'equals' are rewarded and allowed to climb up higher on the ladder while I'm just overlooked and walked on. Yes, I realize that if I'm not happy with it, I'm free to leave, which is why I stated in my last sentence that if I'm not happy with the new terms (if there, in fact, are any), I am going to strongly consider leaving.

[musclestack]

If I were you, I would set up another meeting with just your supervisor and tell him that you and he/she never did discuss/compromise any compensation for the new role set forth. Just reiterate that he mentioned this to you a few months back and that you are ready to discuss it now.

Thanks, RC. I will consider this approach. What gets on my nerves is that fact that I don't believe I should be the one to have to bring it up. My co-worker was called upon by the manager to have a meeting. I wasn't.

[73rr]

Companies don't just hang out raises. U have to ask for them. (Annual review and things of that nature is usually when u would ask).

So at that. If u feel that u should be getting a raise then u have to initiate the conversation for that.

[somewhatjacked]

I'm familiar with it, but I never did agree with it. I can't imagine myself going through life where people, who I consider my 'equals' are rewarded and allowed to climb up higher on the ladder while I'm just overlooked and walked on. Yes, I realize that if I'm not happy with it, I'm free to leave, which is why I stated in my last sentence that if I'm not happy with the new terms (if there, in fact, are any), I am going to strongly consider leaving.

If this happened to me i would apply for a new job to find out my worth on the market. Get an offer and use it a leverage to get what you want.


I would hate to be turned down due to some BS reasons and then work with the same boss while looking for a new job, which I may not find.

Good luck!

[TheTaxMan]

See whats out there, you might get less hours and more pay with another company, keep your eyes open and your ears on the ground.

It does sound a case of they have more respect for the guy whos been there 15 years and kind of forgetting about you.

As said above, request a meeting and explain how you feel. I understand they asked your co-worker for a meeting and not you which is annoying. But you wont get your points accross without requesting a meeting.

[Hoggage_54]

I know exactly what you are going through. My responsibilities at an old job kept being added to. I asked for a raise and they bumped me up on my pay scale, but I would have been at that new rate about a year later anyways. I was also up for a temporary promotion to fill in for my manager because he was going on a leave for a year, but they ended up giving the job to a friend of the CFO, who was so incompetent it was embarrassing. I knew my skills were superior in every way so I found a new job and left... not easy when you've been there for 10 years and worked your way up from the warehouse.

I left the company and joined another company, which paid me 20% more than I was making. That place was 10 times worse to work at though, so now I'm at yet another company, making about 3% more on top of the previous 20% increase, and it's a really good place.

Make sure you judge your skills and compensation appropriately. Also look at the company you work at and the long-term prospects. I'm in healthcare so I have flexibility, even though I'm on the Administration side.

Most importantly, for me anyways, is a healthy work environment. Do you have good coworkers? Strong leaders? Satisfying work?

[musclestack]

Companies don't just hang out raises. U have to ask for them. (Annual review and things of that nature is usually when u would ask).

So at that. If u feel that u should be getting a raise then u have to initiate the conversation for that.

I understand what you're saying, but this situation is different. There is an additional work load being placed on both of us. One of us was allowed to negotiate compensation; the other wasn't.

In regards to what you're saying, it just so happens that I have increased the sales in the department I'm in charge of by over 200% from last year. In this case, yes, I would agree to going with your approach and asking my boss to discuss a pay increase as a result to what I have done for the company, however, this is a different issue from what is currently going on.

[musclestack]

If this happened to me i would apply for a new job to find out my worth on the market. Get an offer and use it a leverage to get what you want.


I would hate to be turned down due to some BS reasons and then work with the same boss while looking for a new job, which I may not find.

Good luck!

I've looked into this. The market, where I am, suggests that I could make up to 50% more than what I'm making now. I've been looking around here and there (I always keep my eyes peeled no matter what my current situation), but I think it may be time to put in more effort.

[musclestack]

See whats out there, you might get less hours and more pay with another company, keep your eyes open and your ears on the ground.

It does sound a case of they have more respect for the guy whos been there 15 years and kind of forgetting about you.

As said above, request a meeting and explain how you feel. I understand they asked your co-worker for a meeting and not you which is annoying. But you wont get your points accross without requesting a meeting.

Thanks, Tax. Yes, I believe I will need to request a sit-down with my boss. You understand the frustration, however, since, in my opinion, I shouldn't have to be the one to request it in this particular situation. He hinted to me early on that I would be compensated for the extra work load, but nothing has been discussed. My co-worker was allowed to discuss his terms BEFORE even starting his new assignments.

[musclestack]

I know exactly what you are going through. My responsibilities at an old job kept being added to. I asked for a raise and they bumped me up on my pay scale, but I would have been at that new rate about a year later anyways. I was also up for a temporary promotion to fill in for my manager because he was going on a leave for a year, but they ended up giving the job to a friend of the CFO, who was so incompetent it was embarrassing. I knew my skills were superior in every way so I found a new job and left... not easy when you've been there for 10 years and worked your way up from the warehouse.

I left the company and joined another company, which paid me 20% more than I was making. That place was 10 times worse to work at though, so now I'm at yet another company, making about 3% more on top of the previous 20% increase, and it's a really good place.

Make sure you judge your skills and compensation appropriately. Also look at the company you work at and the long-term prospects. I'm in healthcare so I have flexibility, even though I'm on the Administration side.

Most importantly, for me anyways, is a healthy work environment. Do you have good coworkers? Strong leaders? Satisfying work?

Thanks, Hoggage. Yes, I think, after a meeting with my boss, if I'm not satisfied with the terms, I will be looking for a new job. I enjoy working for the company I'm at, and I like my co-workers. My boss is a good guy, other than the fact that I think he favors the other.

[musclestack]

Thanks for all the replies. I want to stress that I'm in no way a complainer or the type that likes to have a pity party or feel sorry for himself. But I also don't like to be walked on. I will always be the first to acknowledge that life's not fair, and I'm completely ok with that. I enjoy a challenge. Hell, don't all of us testosterone filled lifters on this forum lol? I suppose what it comes down to is I will present my argument to my boss. If we cannot agree, then I will find somewhere else where my talents are more appreciated and I'm treated with more respect.

[GirlyGymRat]

Learn from this experience.

Your coworker assessed the situation and struck a deal before you did. His concern was numero uno and he played the situation to his advantage.

Most companies don't hand out raises. You have to negotiate and ask for them. You make a case for the promotion, the raise, and even developmental lateral moves. Sometimes you will go sideways before go vertical in the organization. Perhaps it's time to take a sideways detour in organization. Always have resume updated. Always look for opportunities.

[musclestack]

Learn from this experience. Your coworker assessed the situation and struck a deal before you did. His concern was numero uno and he played the situation to his advantage. Most companies don't hand out raises. You have to negotiate and ask for them. You make a case for the promotion, the raise, and even developmental lateral moves. Sometimes you will go sideways before go vertical in the organization. Perhaps it's time to take a sideways detour in organization. Always have resume updated. Always look for opportunities.

Thanks, GGR. I will most definitely be looking around now. Not so sure my co-worker played his cards better than I did. Me getting a raise doesn't effect him one way or another. And it's not like he took initiative either. He was called upon by the manager to discuss his new role, so I'm not sure I would give him so much credit.

I didn't want to bring this up since I thought it might skew peoples' opinions when giving advice, but the owner of the company (the guy I've been referring to as the 'manager') also happens to be my co-worker's father.

[RaginCajun]

Thanks, GGR. I will most definitely be looking around now. Not so sure my co-worker played his cards better than I did. Me getting a raise doesn't effect him one way or another. And it's not like he took initiative either. He was called upon by the manager to discuss his new role, so I'm not sure I would give him so much credit. I didn't want to bring this up since I thought it might skew peoples' opinions when giving advice, but the owner of the company (the guy I've been referring to as the 'manager') also happens to be my co-worker's father.

15 years carries a lot of weight in one's decision when one has a tract record, and blood is thicker than water no matter what success says (been there, told my boss in his face to Fvck off! Guess what, they failed miserably because I kept it alive with hard work! Let's just say that company is no longer a company and they are all still apologizing)

Also, Just want to be the devil's advocate

The grass is not always greener

Weight every option, make sure YOU are happy!

[novastepp]

I know exactly what you are going through. My responsibilities at an old job kept being added to. I asked for a raise and they bumped me up on my pay scale, but I would have been at that new rate about a year later anyways. I was also up for a temporary promotion to fill in for my manager because he was going on a leave for a year, but they ended up giving the job to a friend of the CFO, who was so incompetent it was embarrassing. I knew my skills were superior in every way so I found a new job and left... not easy when you've been there for 10 years and worked your way up from the warehouse.

I left the company and joined another company, which paid me 20% more than I was making. That place was 10 times worse to work at though, so now I'm at yet another company, making about 3% more on top of the previous 20% increase, and it's a really good place.

Make sure you judge your skills and compensation appropriately. Also look at the company you work at and the long-term prospects. I'm in healthcare so I have flexibility, even though I'm on the Administration side.

Most importantly, for me anyways, is a healthy work environment. Do you have good coworkers? Strong leaders? Satisfying work?

Boom!

All I would like to add is that in some industries, they do not negotiate based on competition and will let you go if you are not :loyal", which is a huge sack of shit. Be loyal to those who treat you well and pay your fairly for the work you are doing.

If you feel you are being screwed, entertain other offers and look for a new place to show off your skills.

Best decision I ever made was to leave my alma mater who kept me around for that "loyal" crap. Took a job that pays 40% more into my retirement and I literally received a 30% pay increase.

[GirlyGymRat]

I didn't want to bring this up since I thought it might skew peoples' opinions when giving advice, but the owner of the company (the guy I've been referring to as the 'manager') also happens to be my co-worker's father.

This makes a huge difference in context of your post. Of course you are getting screwed. That's his baby.

Why is he allowed to be in the management position of his own son! Is this a family business???

[BG]

Why would you look for a new job when you haven't said one thing? You think they are going to come to you? Good luck with that. You need to go to the guy who first told you that you would be compensated and ask if and when it was going to happen. You can sure bet your co-worker did the same. No body is going to come to you. Don't be angry, be concerned.

[musclestack]

This makes a huge difference in context of your post. Of course you are getting screwed. That's his baby.

Why is he allowed to be in the management position of his own son! Is this a family business???

Not a family business, and his dad is not his direct boss, however he is the one who negotiated the terms with him.

[musclestack]

Why would you look for a new job when you haven't said one thing? You think they are going to come to you? Good luck with that. You need to go to the guy who first told you that you would be compensated and ask if and when it was going to happen. You can sure bet your co-worker did the same. No body is going to come to you. Don't be angry, be concerned.

No, I'm going to speak up about it first before deciding anything (although I'm ALWAYS on the lookout for better opportunities). And that's just it; my co-worker didn't say anything. The owner (who is also his father) called him in to discuss the terms, not the other way around. That's why I think it's BS.

I realize that the owner being his dad throws a wrench into the situation but, honestly, even if they weren't related and this still happened the way it did, I would still be upset about it.

[-Ender-]

If something bothers you: Discuss it with them. However: Be prepared for it to sour the relationship.

If the coworker's father is the owner, then it is indeed a family business.
If the coworker has been there 15+ years: he's way ahead of you.

If you feel underappreciated, you should get your E2 checked and find another company to work for. Work is supposed to be enjoyable and challenging, if it isn't: You're doing it wrong. Or you need to find something else.

[GirlyGymRat]

Not a family business, and his dad is not his direct boss, however he is the one who negotiated the terms with him.

Sounds dirty. Political.

When or if u decide to step out, be prepared for the consequences.

Sometimes silence is the best response but never respond in anger. Well place anger response are best when rare.

[Bonaparte]

Wait, that's the short version?!

[musclestack]

Sounds dirty. Political.

When or if u decide to step out, be prepared for the consequences.

Sometimes silence is the best response but never respond in anger. Well place anger response are best when rare.

Thanks, GGR. I also think it's political. I'm aware of the potential consequences, but as I mentioned earlier, my boss DID tell me early on that I could expect some compensation. I would just be reminding him. I'm not one to act out in anger. I'm more of one to present the facts in a logical manner and base my argument off that. Despite the consequences, the one thing I have to my advantage is that, out of a company of thousands of employees, I am the only one of my kind that is specialized in what I do. It's basically a newer 'department' that I was in charge of when I showed up and have helped it expand over the past couple of years. No one else in the company has my experience in my particular department, not even my boss...or his, etc, and they searched for someone with my talents for over a year before I came along. Yes, everyone is expendable, myself included, but I do hold SOME cards.

[musclestack]

Wait, that's the short version?!

TLDR:

Company going through some responsibility changes due to a long time employee retiring.
Was told I would be compensated for my new duties.
Co-worker was brought to a meeting by the owner (who is also his dad) to discuss his responsibilities/compensation.
I have not been called to any meeting to discuss anything and, instead, been thrown into my new duties.
No talk of any added compensation as of yet as a result of performing said duties.

Result: Co-worker is being played favorite, and I'm being walked on. Deciding the best way to approach the situation.

[diesel101]

Being a business owner I will give you my two cents worth on this. I pay my employees very well for the market that we are operating in. I have had very close situations like this where I have had people retire and had to split up the responsibilities of that person to other employees. Giving a person more responsibility or a title does not entitle them to a pay increase automatically in my eyes. When they prove to the company they can handle the responsibility is when I will compensate them for doing their new job responsibilities.

Someone mentioned getting an offer from another company and using that as leverage. Be very careful at doing this unless you are prepared to leave the company. I did have one person come to me with an "offer" from another company to try and get a pay increase 4 months before his review. I shook his hand wished him the best of luck thanked him for everything he had done for the company and we parted ways. He lasted 3 months at the other company before leaving and is now working for about 60% of what I was paying him.

[RaginCajun]

Being a business owner I will give you my two cents worth on this. I pay my employees very well for the market that we are operating in. I have had very close situations like this where I have had people retire and had to split up the responsibilities of that person to other employees. Giving a person more responsibility or a title does not entitle them to a pay increase automatically in my eyes. When they prove to the company they can handle the responsibility is when I will compensate them for doing their new job responsibilities. Someone mentioned getting an offer from another company and using that as leverage. Be very careful at doing this unless you are prepared to leave the company. I did have one person come to me with an "offer" from another company to try and get a pay increase 4 months before his review. I shook his hand wished him the best of luck thanked him for everything he had done for the company and we parted ways. He lasted 3 months at the other company before leaving and is now working for about 60% of what I was paying him.

Great reply

[GirlyGymRat]

Being a business owner I will give you my two cents worth on this. I pay my employees very well for the market that we are operating in. I have had very close situations like this where I have had people retire and had to split up the responsibilities of that person to other employees. Giving a person more responsibility or a title does not entitle them to a pay increase automatically in my eyes. When they prove to the company they can handle the responsibility is when I will compensate them for doing their new job responsibilities. Someone mentioned getting an offer from another company and using that as leverage. Be very careful at doing this unless you are prepared to leave the company. I did have one person come to me with an "offer" from another company to try and get a pay increase 4 months before his review. I shook his hand wished him the best of luck thanked him for everything he had done for the company and we parted ways. He lasted 3 months at the other company before leaving and is now working for about 60% of what I was paying him.

good perspective!

I just received my end of year performance appraisal. Nice bonus AFTER I performed well.

My company now is requesting I contribute to the success of the entire organization. I won't get paid a dime more tomorrow for these added responsibilities.

[musclestack]

Being a business owner I will give you my two cents worth on this. I pay my employees very well for the market that we are operating in. I have had very close situations like this where I have had people retire and had to split up the responsibilities of that person to other employees. Giving a person more responsibility or a title does not entitle them to a pay increase automatically in my eyes. When they prove to the company they can handle the responsibility is when I will compensate them for doing their new job responsibilities.

Someone mentioned getting an offer from another company and using that as leverage. Be very careful at doing this unless you are prepared to leave the company. I did have one person come to me with an "offer" from another company to try and get a pay increase 4 months before his review. I shook his hand wished him the best of luck thanked him for everything he had done for the company and we parted ways. He lasted 3 months at the other company before leaving and is now working for about 60% of what I was paying him.

Thank you for this advice, Diesel. The truth here is that I have been looking around for quite some time. Not so much for leverage against the company I'm at now, but when you were making 6 figures a year a your previous company, only to make a fraction of that at your current company, it only makes sense to look around for better opportunities. I tend to also look at it as you do...I shouldn't expect a pay increase right off the bat just because my responsibilities have been broadened...the problem I have with this situation is that there are mainly 2 employees that have taken on new responsibilities; me and my co-worker. My co-worker was offered more compensation before taking on the new role, and I was not. I'm not saying that I should get the same percentage of increase that he has since he's taking on slightly more and he has been with the company longer. But when he's offered to talk about whether or not he wants the new role AND negotiate his added compensation for it, and I am not, I see this as a problem where management favors him and walks on me. This may or may not have to do with the fact that my co-worker's father owns the company.

[javajim]

I had my own business and employed over 100 people at one time.There was maybe 20 that I really felt I needed to keep at all cost. If one of them came to me with news they were thinking of leaving I would do all I could to keep them. If I could not match the offer or they were leaving to a higher level job. I would wish them well. So if you are one of the 20 then they won't want to lose you and will work with you so that you will be happy. If you're not. You can still ask for compensation. If they won't work with you. You can stay and be unhappy or look for a new job. If it was me I would ask about compensation. Just my 2 cents. Good luck