Advice Regarding Salary Negotiations

[Sighs]

I work as a professional in a small country town. I recently discovered that my boss is paying me the same amount as a girl who worked here before me. My issue with this is that she was not a qualified professional - I am. I wasn't too pleased but thought, well if that's all he can afford I guess it is what it is.
But today I found out that she was working school hours - 9am til 3pm Mon to Fri. I work 9am til 5pm Mon to Fri. So he's actually paying me less per hour than he was paying her!

Will be talking to him about this going forward. I accepted the job at that level of pay for that many hours so I don't think I can say too much about the past. (I've worked here for just over a year.)

I'd like to tell him that going forward I think there are two options:
1) He increases my pay to take account of the additional 10 hours a week I'm working. or
2) I work 4 days a week for the same money I make now.

Any thoughts or advice?

 

[Deleted member 12723]

No advice as I am looking for a job, but I can understand your frustration about the salary you get paid. Be strong and ask anyway the best you can. I wish you the best possible outcome for you.

 

[Lucycat]

I work as a professional in a small country town. I recently discovered that my boss is paying me the same amount as a girl who worked here before me.

Regardless of qualifications, I would expect the same salary for the same job. Is it taking you longer to do the same amount of work, or are you achieving more in your working week that the person employed before you?

What are the discrimination laws in your country? As an international forum it is impossible to give you specific advice from the UK about a job in a country with a different flag.

 

[Peach]

if that's all he can afford I guess it is what it is.

Up until a few years ago, I felt the same way. That shows what a sweet person you are. But now I know better and it sounds like you're coming around too. The majority of employers will try to pay you as little as possible, while still keeping you from grumbling too much, regardless of how friendly and honest they seem. They may not be a super greedy person, but inside everyone lies the heart of a selfish monster. It's human nature. Very rare to run into a person who will actually put someone else above themselves, especially when we're talking about business relations and it's coming out of their own pockets.

It is perfectly reasonable to ask for a raise. You've been there full time for a year, paid your dues, and have proved to be an asset to the company. Mention your positive points and skills for deserving more money, I don't think I would bring up the other girl, just talk about what you bring to the table. Be assertive and confident, but not confrontational.

Oh! And think of what salary you feel you've earned, don't let them decide. Be realistic. Research what others with your skills make and compensate for living in a small town where everything usually runs a bit cheaper. A jump of several dollars at one time could scare the pants off of the boss. So consider laying out not just an immediate raise, but also outline a 5 year plan, so you're both on the same page. Of course that doesn't mean you can't leave is something better comes along...unless there is a contract involved.

I know it is a little scary, but what's the worst that can happen? They may say no and then you'll have to decide if it's worth it to you to stay in that environment. Trust me, you have to look out for yourself, no one else is going to do it for you. This may sound a little jaded, I'm really not, but I have learned these past 3 years that you have to take care of Number 1.

Good luck and be sure to let us know how it goes. :)

 

[Sighs]

@Lucycat - I'm doing her entire job and then a whole heap of other stuff as well that she was unable to do as you need to hold the qualification to legally do the work.

Thanks all - will let you know how I go!